Minister backs Pune HC bench demand

“Every state government has to ready the infrastructure required to set up a High Court bench, complete a feasibility study and then recommend it to the state’s High Court. The union government will come into picture only after the state approves the recommendation. Unless this procedure is followed,no demand of HC bench will be entertained in the country.” Moily told Newsline.

The Pune Bar Association has been vigorously demanding a Bombay High Court bench in Pune for the past four months. The lawyers had undertaken a silent protest march at Pune collector’s office last month. They even undertook a signature campaign for about a fortnight and collected 3000-odd signatures of lawyers and litigants reinforcing the demand.

Asked about the unanimous opposition from Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa to the upcoming Legal Practitioners (Regulation and Maintenance of Standards in Profession,Protecting the Interest of Clients and Promoting the Rule of Law) Bill,2010,Moily defended his decision to table the Bill.

“We have introduced accountability for judges by making them declare their assets. The Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill is also underway. Why not have some standards and accountability for lawyers too?” Moily said.