HIGH COURT OF TRIPURA

TRIPURA JUDICIARY—A ROAD MAP FOR THE FUTURE

A VISION DOCUMENT

of

Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ajay Rastogi

Chief Justice High Court of Tripura

Released on

6th May, 2018

Agartala

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“JUSTICE, Social, Economic and Political” as enshrined in the Preamble of

the Constitution of India is among the aims and objects to be achieved by the

Constitution. Social Justice includes legal Justice which can be achieved by an

inexpensive, expeditious and effective Judicial System easily accessible by all

sections of the society irrespective of their class, creed, social or economic

conditions. In order to achieve the objects set out in the Preamble of the

Constitution we need to have an effective, responsive, legal and judicial

administration in the State to deliver inexpensive, speedy and quality justice

accessible by all the stakeholders for which sustained & productive efforts are

necessary and this vision document have been prepared containing an

achievable action plan.

After taking over as the Chief Justice of this High Court on 1st March, 2018,

I have visited all the Judicial Districts of the State and met the Judicial Officers

mainly to take stock of the Status of Judicial infrastructure and the problems and

challenges faced by the Judicial Officers in dispensation of justice. I have also met

the members of the Bar Association wherever I have gone and interacted with

them on several issues concerning Administration of justice.

In Tripura, number of pending cases in the High Court and District Courts

is within the manageable limit. As on date, total number of pending cases in the

District Courts is 85,203 and I am surprised to note that the petty Traffic Challan

cases which do not involve any serious dispute for adjudication by Judges occupy

almost 49% of the total pendency which is 42,000. It means that there are only

43,203 cases pending in different Courts across the State for adjudication by

Judges for which we have a sanctioned strength of 107 Judicial Officers in the

State and at present there are 75 officers. Though the ratio between the

number of cases and number of Judges available in the State is much better

than the rest of the country, the Apex Court in the All India Judges’

Association case reported in (2002) 4 SCC 247 has decided that the ratio of

50 Judges per 10 Lakh people be maintained. Therefore, we require more

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number of Judges in the District Judiciary for establishment of new Judicial

Districts, Family Courts and one model Commercial Court at Agartala.

I feel that Judicial Districts in the State must be contiguous to the Revenue

Districts in the State. We should also set up sub-divisional Judicial Magistrate’s

Courts with Civil jurisdiction gradually in all the Revenue sub-divisions starting

from the remotest sub-divisions where no court has yet been set up. Apart from

these changes, the advantages of Family Courts need to be extended to the people

equally in all the Judicial Districts and Revenue Districts for which 5 more Family

Courts will be required. These Family Courts can be set up at Belonia in South

Tripura Judicial District, at Dharmanagar in North Tripura Judicial District and at

the Head Quarters of the 3 proposed Judicial Districts namely Dhalai District,

Sepahijala District and Khowai District. Establishment of a model Commercial

Court at Agartala is also necessary to implement the resolution of the last Chief

Justices’ Conference held in April, 2016 and to facilitate the concept of ‘ease of

doing business’.

The other areas of the administration of justice which require certain

affirmative changes is the creation of a regular cadre of Public Prosecutors,

expansion of the ADR System, improvement of the Juvenile Justice System,

strengthening of the Legal Services Institutions, construction of the Judicial

Academy building for training of Judicial Officers, support staff, Prosecutors,

Juvenile Justice stakeholders, Police Officers, Remand Advocates, Mediators,

Legal Services Functionaries and all others associated in the dispensation of

Justice. That apart, certain initiatives are necessary for development of the

infrastructure of the District and subordinate courts including construction of

residential accommodation for Judicial Officers and staff members and

renovation and construction of chambers for Bar Associations.

I shall now deal with each of the issue District-wise.

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[1] WEST TRIPURA JUDICIAL DISTRICT

AGARTALA : Total number of 21,746 cases are pending in different Courts at

Agartala. There is a sanctioned strength of 19 Courts at Agartala. At the present

moment, 15 courts are functioning and 4 Courts at the magisterial level are lying

vacant.

The court buildings at Agartala are extremely old. New G+5 Court

buildings for the Court of District & Sessions Judge is under construction. The

progress of work is very slow and I am apprehending that the construction may

not be completed within the time schedule. Therefore, the executing agency must

take serious initiative to complete the construction of the buildings in the given

time schedule. As soon as the building is complete we should start construction

of another building of the same height and the similar design on the site where

the existing court of Chief Judicial Magistrate and criminal courts are situated.

Assuming that the construction of the upcoming building will take 08 more

months, during this period the plan of the second building can be prepared and

as soon as the first building is complete and 8 courts are shifted there, the

construction of the second building can start. After both the buildings are ready

we can demolish the buildings presently housing the Family Courts and two

Courts of Addl. District Judges and new buildings have to be constructed to

accommodate the two Family Courts and other administrative buildings.

KHOWAI: Khowai is a Revenue District. But a judicial district is yet to be

established at Khowai. The number of cases has increased manifold at Khowai.

The sessions triable cases in Khowai at present is 364 and total pendency is

20,520 out of which 201 are Civil cases and 20,319 are Criminal Cases which is

next to Agartala. Therefore, a need for separate Civil District and Sessions

Division at Khowai has now arisen. New Court Buildings are being constructed at

Khowai. The building has been designed on the lines of the new Judicial complex

of Sonamura. This building can be used for the Court of District & Sessions Judge,

Khowai and the post of Addl. District & Sessions Judge, Khowai may be upgraded

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as District & Sessions Judge and the post of SDJM may be upgraded as CJM-cum-

Civil Judge(Sr.Div.) for which no expansion of cadre strength of officers or staff

members would be necessary.

BISHALGARH: Bishalgarh has two (02) courts. The number of cases is also very

high at Bishalgarh. At present 8,646 cases are pending at Bishalgarh but most of

the cases being traffic challan cases, no more Court will be required there in near

future.

SONAMURA: At present there are four (04) courts at Sonamura which includes

the Court of Additional District & Sessions Judge, the Court of the Sub-Divisional

Judicial Magistrate, Court of the Civil Judge (Jr. Div.)-cum-JM 1st Class and the

Court of the Judicial Magistrate 1st Class-cum-Civil Judge (Jr. Div.). Total pendency

of cases at Sonamura at present is 3,685 out of which 3387 are Criminal cases

and 298 are Civil cases. Sonamura falls within Sepahijala Revenue District and I

have proposed for creation of a judicial district in Sepahijala with the

headquarter at Sonamura. Once the court buildings and quarters for Judicial

Officers are constructed at Bisramganj which is the headquarters of Sepahijala

revenue district, the headquarters of the judicial district can also be shifted to

Bisramganj.

[2] NORTH TRIPURA JUDICIAL DISTRICT:

At present, the headquarters of the North Tripura district is at

Dharmanagar. Dharmanagar and Kanchanpur are under North Tripura Judicial

District.

DHARMANAGAR : There are 5 sanctioned courts at Dharmanagar. These are the

Court of District & Sessions Judge, court of the Civil Judge (Sr. Division) & Asstt.

Sessions Judge, Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, court of the Civil Judge (Jr.

Division) and one court of the Judicial Magistrate, First Class. Total 6,069 cases

are pending at Dharmanagar. The number of pending cases do not justify for

creation of any other Court at Dharmanagar except creation of a Family Court.

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KANCHANPUR : There are two courts in Kanchanpur. One Court is lying vacant.

However, the Court buildings need immediate repairs. Total 918 cases are

pending at Kanchanpur. Therefore, in terms of pendency, one court at

Kanchanpur is enough at this moment.

Though there is no revenue sub-division in Jampui Hills, this place is very remote

and therefore, we should set up one court complex to house one court at

Vangmun or nearby so that one Judicial officer can be posted there leaving the

second court at Kanchanpur vacant. The supporting staff available for the second

court can be withdrawn from Kanchanpur and utilized for the Court at

Vanghmun as soon as such Court is established. Even if a full time court is not

established, a circuit court can definitely be held in Vanghmun to take justice to

the door step of the people living in Vanghmun. But this can be done only after a

Court buildings with residential accommodation for a Judicial Officer is

constructed at Vanghmun.

[3] UNAKOTI JUDICIAL DISTRICT:

KAILASHAHAR : There are 8 sanctioned courts at Kailashahar. One District

Judge’s court, one Family Court, one Addl. District Judge’s court, one CJM’s court,

one court of Civil Judge (Sr. Division) & Asstt. Sessions Judge, one court of Civil

Judge (Jr. Division) and two courts of Judicial Magistrate, First Class. Among the 8

sanctioned courts, two courts at the magisterial level are lying vacant at

Kailashahar. Total 7,889 cases are pending there. As far as Kailashahar is

concerned, the buildings of the courts of District & Sessions Judge and Chief

Judicial Magistrate need to be widely renovated or new construction should be

made. In view of the pendency and rate of institution, no more court beyond the

sanctioned strength would be necessary in near future. The recruitment process

for recruitment of officers in Grade –III of the Judicial Service is in progress. The

vacant courts shall be filled up as soon as the selection process is complete and

officers are made ready after the statutory training.

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KAMALPUR : There are 3 courts at Kamalpur. One Addl. District Judge’s court,

one SDJM’s court and one court of Civil Judge (Jr. Division). Total 1,893 cases are

pending at Kamalpur. The building at Kamalpur is in a very poor condition. The

land available for the Court is also not sufficient. Therefore, new construction of

G+2 Court buildings has been undertaken at Kamalpur. The executing agency

should expedite the work to complete construction within time frame.

GANDACHERRA: This Sub-Division is situated within the jurisdiction of Dhalai

Revenue District. But it is still under the jurisdiction of Unakoti Judicial District.

Pendency in Gandacherra is 191 cases only. Two courts were sanctioned for this

Sub-Division. But at this moment one court of sub-divisional Judicial Magistrate –

cum-Civil Judge(Jr. Div.) has been functioning at Gandacherra. The other court is

lying vacant. In view of the figure of pendency one court is enough for now. In so

far as the Court buildings are concerned, the present buildings are enough to

meet the present purpose. Construction of boundary wall around the court

buildings is necessary to ensure safety and security of the courts. The State

government may undertake such work immediately.

LONGTHARAI VALLEY: Although this Sub-Division is situated within the

jurisdiction of Dhalai Revenue District, it is still in the jurisdiction of Unakoti

Judicial District since Dhalai is yet to be declared as a Judicial District. The

pendency of cases is 2,527 at Longthrarai Valley among which 2514 are Criminal

Cases and 13 are Civil Cases. Most of the pending criminal cases are Traffic

Challan cases. Two courts were sanctioned for this Sub-Division. But at this

moment one court of sub-divisional Judicial Magistrate –cum-Civil Judge(Jr. Div.)

has been functioning at Longthrai Valley. The other court is lying vacant. In view

of the figure of pendency and rate of institutions one court is enough for now

because most of the pending cases are traffic challan cases which does not

involve any serious dispute for adjudication. In so far as the Court buildings are

concerned, the present buildings are enough to meet the purpose. But

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construction of boundary wall around the court buildings is necessary to ensure

safety. The State government may undertake such work immediately.

[4] GOMATI JUDICIAL DISTRICT:

UDAIPUR: Udaipur is the headquarters of Gomati judicial district. The

pendency is 2204 cases in Udaipur. The Court buildings of the District and

Sessions Judge and CJM required to be either widely renovated or newly

constructed. At Udaipur, there are 8 courts. One District Judge’s court, one Family

court, one Addl. District Judge’s court, one CJM’s court, one court of Civil Judge

(Sr.Div.) Assistant Sessions Judge, one court of Civil Judge (Jr. Division) and two

courts of Judicial Magistrates. In view of the pendency and rate of filing, no more

Court will be required at Udaipur in near future at least for 5 years.

AMARPUR: The court building in Amarpur is in extremely dilapidated condition.

The land is also not sufficient. Therefore, construction of new G+2 Court

buildings has been undertaken at Amarpur. There are two Courts at Amarpur but

one court is lying vacant. At present 725 cases are pending there most of which

are petty Traffic Challan cases. In view of the low pendency and the rate of

institution the vacant court need not be filled up at this moment. Rather efforts

may be taken for setting up one court at Karbook in the District which is one of

the remotest revenue sub-divisions in the State.

[5] SOUTH TRIPURA JUDICIAL DISTRICT:

BELONIA : Belonia is presently the Head Quarters of the South Tripura judicial

district after Udaipur became the headquarters of the Gomati district. There are 5

sanctioned courts at Belonia. One District Judge’s court, one CJM’s court, one

court of Civil Judge (Sr. Division) and Assistant Sessions Judge, one court of

Judicial Magistrate, First Class-cum-Civil Judge (Jr.Div) and one court of Civil

Judge (Jr.Div)-cum-Judicial Magistrate, First Class. 4,797 cases are pending there.

At present one court of Judicial Magistrate is lying vacant. The Court will be filled

up soon after the ongoing selection process is over. I am of the view that in view

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of the rate of pendency and number of Courts already available in Belonia no

more court will be required there in near future except one court of Family Judge.

SABROOM : There are two Courts and two officers are posted. Total 334 cases

are pending. The court building in Sabroom is in extremely dilapidated

condition. The land is also not sufficient. Therefore, construction of new G+2

Court buildings has been under taken at Sabroom. Construction work is in

progress. In view of the low pendency of cases at Sabroom, no more court will be

required there in the future.

Now, I shall deal with the issue for creation of three (3) more new Judicial

Districts in Dhalai, Khowai and Sepahijala which are revenue Districts where

separate Civil and Sessions Division are not yet created.

Creation of 3 more new Judicial Districts :

In Dhalai Revenue District: Ambassa is the Revenue Headquarters of Dhalai

district. However, it has no Bar or lawyers and, therefore, the Full Court on

7.6.2013 resolved that the District & Sessions division of the Dhalai district be

kept at Kamalpur. But thereafter renovation of the existing sub-divisional court

buildings was taken up at Ambssa to make it suitable for District Courts. 2 Crore

96 Lakhs and 80 Thousand was the estimated Project cost for renovation of the

existing ground floor and vertical extension of the buildings. The fund was

sanctioned during the financial year 2016-17. But only the ground floor has been

completed and the construction of the first floor has been started. The target date

of completion of the work has been fixed on March, 2019. The land has also been

identified for construction of quarters for Judicial Officers. But the construction

of quarters has not yet been taken up. I am told that PWD will call tender for the

work shortly.

I am of the view that without waiting further, the Courts can start

functioning in the first floor provided the State Government provides befitting

residential accommodation to the Judicial Officers who will be posted there and

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furnish the Court halls, office and Chambers of the Officers there. For the Courts

to start functioning at Ambassa at least 4 officers namely the District Judge, a

Senior Civil Judge & Assistant Sessions Judge, Chief Judicial Magistrate and one

Judicial Magistrate of the First Class with Civil power have to be posted there and

residential accommodation need to be provided to them according to their status

from Government pool. If the State Government agrees and provide these

infrastructural facilities, High Court may take steps for inauguration of the new

Judicial District at Ambassa by posting Judicial officers and staff members.

In Khowai Revenue District: Khowai Revenue District can be made a new

Judicial District immediately with Head Quarters at Khowai. After the

establishment of Tripura High Court, there was a proposal for creation of a

separate civil District and Sessions Division at Khowai. It was then viewed by the

High Court that in view of the small number of 445 cases then pending in the

entire revenue district, it was not feasible to have a separate civil District and

Sessions Division at Khowai. The Full Court resolved that as and when number of

cases increases and the need arises the proposal of separate Civil District and

Sessions Division at Khowai would be considered. Now, the number of cases has

increased manifold at Khowai. The sessions triable cases in Khowai at present is

364 and total pendency is 20,520 out of which 201 are Civil cases and 20,319 are

Criminal Cases which is next to Agartala. Therefore, a need for separate Civil

District and Sessions Division at Khowai has now arisen. New Court Buildings are

being constructed at Khowai. The building has been designed on the lines of the

new Judicial complex of Sonamura. I have recently visited Khowai and seen the

construction works of the G+2 Court buildings. The project was sanctioned in

2015-16 and the project cost is estimated at Rupees 15 Crore 86 Lakhs. The pace

of work is very slow. Though PWD has targeted September 2018 for completion

of the work, I apprehend that the work will not be completed within the target

date. So, without waiting for the completion of the buildings, the Judicial District

may be inaugurated there in the existing infrastructure.

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If the State Government agrees, this building given to the Additional

District & Sessions Judge can be used for the Court of District & Sessions Judge,

Khowai and the post of Addl. District & Sessions Judge, Khowai may be upgraded

as District & Sessions Judge and the post of SDJM may be upgraded as CJM-cum-

Civil Judge (Sr.Div.) for which no expansion of cadre strength of officers or staff

members would be necessary. Khowai is now under West Tripura Judicial

District. Once it is separated and made a new Judicial District as Khowai Judicial

District, the staff now working at Sonamura, Agartala and Khowai within West

Tripura Judicial District may be reshuffled and rationally distributed among the

new Judicial Districts of Khowai and Sepahijala.

In Sepahijala Revenue District: Sonamura now falls within West Tripura

Judicial District and Sepahijala Revenue District. After the proposal was initiated

for establishment of a separate civil and sessions division in Sepahijala Revenue

District, the matter was discussed in the Full Court on 7.6.2013 and the Full Court

recommended that Sonamura should be made the headquarters of the Sepahijala

Judicial District because there are no courts or lawyers at Bisramganj. Therefore,

the Full Court felt that it may not be appropriate to fix the Headquarters of

Sepahijala Judicial District at Bisramganj or Bishalgarh. Rather, it would be

appropriate to establish it at Sonamura for the time being and when facilities are

made available at Bisramganj the possibilities of shifting the headquarters to

Bisramganj would be considered.

I have reviewed the matter. As soon as the new Judicial District is created

in Sepahijala Revenue District, Bishalgarh will also come under this new Judicial

District. If Bisramganj is made the Headquarters of this new Judicial District, it

will be easily accessible by the people of Bishalgarh particularly in terms of

distance because the distance between Bishalgarh and Sonamura is more than

double the distance between Bishalgarh and Bisramganj. Moreover, the

Headquarters of the Revenue District being at Bisramganj, people visiting the

Courts at Bisramganj from anywhere in the District can also have access to the

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District Administration for multiple needs by one visit. Therefore, it would be

prudent to fix the headquarters of this new Judicial District at Bisramganj.

For construction of the District Court buildings at Bisramganj in Sepahijala

Revenue District, land identification should be finalized immediately to

undertake construction of courts and residential accommodation for 4 Judicial

Officers followed by preparation of drawing and design of the Court buildings

and quarters.

Construction of new Court buildings after identification of land at

Bisramganj may take long time. Therefore, if the State Government agrees new

Judicial District may be inaugurated in Sepahijala Revenue District with

temporary Headquarters at Sonamura and the Court of District & Sessions Judge

and the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate –cum- senior Civil Judge may start

functioning from Sonamura in the existing Court buildings until the new Court

buildings and residential accommodation for Judicial officers are made available

at Bisramganj. The post of Addl. District & Sessions Judge, Sonamura, may be

upgraded as District & Sessions Judge and the post of SDJM may be upgraded as

CJM-cum- Civil Judge (Sr.Div.) for which no expansion of cadre strength of

officers or staff members would be necessary. Once it is separated and made a

new Judicial District as Sepahijala Judicial District, the staff now working at

Sonamura, Agartala and Khowai within the common Judicial District may be

reshuffled and rationally distributed among the new Judicial Districts of

Sepahijala and Khowai.

CREATION OF NEW SUB-DIVISIONAL COURTS:

Easy access to justice at the door step in a speedy and inexpensive manner is the

hallmark of our existence. Therefore, we need to start establishing courts in the

Revenue Sub-Divisions where no court has yet been established. There are 23

Revenue Sub-divisions in the State. But there are courts only in 14 sub-divisions.

Therefore, Courts need to be established in the remaining Revenue Sub-Divisions

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in order of their remoteness and pendency. Following are the Revenue sub-

divisions which require new courts.

IN WEST TRIPURA JUDICIAL DISTRICT

(i) MOHANPUR: There is no court at Mohanpur revenue sub-division. The cases

come to Agartala. Mohanpur is about 25 kms away from Agartala. There are 710

Criminal Cases and 18 Civil Cases of Mohanpur are pending in different courts at

Agartala. The litigants are travelling this long distance to Agartala regularly for

pursuing their cases. Justice delivery system must be taken to the doorstep of the

litigants and they should not be forced to travel long distances, spending huge

amount of time and money. Therefore, we must take steps to take the courts to

the litigants and at least one court may be opened at Mohanpur immediately.

The infrastructure should be created in such a manner that initially there may be

one court but another floor can be added later on for creation of a second court.

Creation of large number of staff members for these Courts will not be necessary.

Preparation of salary bills of the officers and other staff members including other

administrative functions may be done centrally in the establishment of the

District Court at Agartala and no additional staff for this purpose will be

necessary. If the State Government can provide accommodation for the Court and

residential accommodation to the Judicial Officers from the available buildings

until the new court buildings and quarters are made available there, Court at

Mohanpur can be started immediately.

(ii) JIRANIA: There is no court at Jirania revenue sub-divisions. The cases come

to Agartala. Jirania is about 15 kms away from Agartala. There are 203 Criminal

Cases and 04 Civil Cases pending in different courts at Agartala which have come

from Jirania. These cases can be tried at Jirania near the home of the litigants if at

least one court of Judicial Magistrate –cum-Civil Judge (Jr.Div.) is established

there. The infrastructure should be created in such a manner that initially there

may be one court but another floor can be added later on for creation of a second

court. Creation of large number of staff members for these Courts will not be

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necessary. Preparation of salary bills of the officers and other staff members

including other administrative functions may be done centrally in the

establishment of the District Court at Agartala and no additional staff for this

purpose will be necessary. If the State Government can provide accommodation

for the Court and residential accommodation to the Judicial Officers from the

available buildings until the new court buildings and quarters are made available

there, Court at Jirania can be started immediately

(iii) TELIAMURA: There is no court at Teliamura. The cases come to Khowai.

Distance between Teliamura and Khowai is about 33 kms. Therefore, we may

think for establishment of at least one court in Teliamura revenue sub division

which now falls in West Tripura judicial District and Khowai revenue District.

The number of cases of Teliamura is 300 Criminal cases and 40 Civil cases which

are now pending in different courts at Khowai. The number of cases coming from

Teliamura and the distance between Teliamura and Khowai justify the

establishment of at least one court of SDJM-cum-Civil Judge, Jr. Div. at Teliamura

with provision of another Court.

(iv) JAMPUI JALA: At present there is no court at jampuijala which falls in West

Tripura Judicial Judicial District.. The cases come to Bishalgarh which is about 20

kms away from Jampuijala. Number of Cases of Juampuijala now pending at

Bishalgarh is 82 Criminal cases and 1 Civil case at present. In view of the

distance, lack of communication facilities and the economic condition of the

people living in the area it is necessary to set up at least one Court of sub-

divisional Judicial Magistrate-cum-Civil Judge at Jampuijala so that the people of

that area can have access to Justice near their home. Land may be identified for

construction of court buildings.

IN NORTH TRIPURA JUDICIAL DISTRICT:

(v) PANISAGAR: We may also think for establishing in near future one court in

Panisagar revenue sub-division which falls in North Tripura judicial District.

Distance between Panisagar and Dharmanagar is about 16 kms and number of

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cases coming from Panisagar is 802 Criminal cases and 60 Civil cases. The

pendency and distance between Panisagar and Dharmanagar justify the

establishment of at least one court of JMFC and Civil Judge, Jr.Div. at Panisagar

with a provision for another court.

JAMPUI HILLS: Though there is no sub division in Jampui Hills, this place is very

remote and therefore, we should set up one court complex to house one court at

Vangmun or nearby so that one Judicial officer can be posted there leaving the

second court at Kanchanpur vacant. The number of pending cases at Kanchanpur

is now 926 out of which 29 cases have come from Jampui Hills. Even though the

pendency is low a Judicial Forum needs to be established at Jampui Hills in terms

of its remoteness. The supporting staff available for the second court can be

withdrawn from Kanchanpur and utilized for the Court at Vanghmun as soon as

such Court is established. Even if a full time court is not established, a circuit

court can definitely be held in Vanghmun to take justice to the door step of the

people living in Vanghmun. But this can be done only after a Court buildings with

residential accommodation for a Judicial Officer is constructed at Vanghmun.

IN UNAKOTI JUDICIAL DISTRICT:

(vi) KUMARGHAT: It is necessary to establish one court in Kumarghat revenue

sub division which falls in Unakoti judicial District. Number of cases of

Kumarghat is 1093 Criminal cases and 48 Civil cases which are now pending in

the courts at Kailashahar. Distance between Kumarghat and Kailashahar is about

28 kms. The number of cases coming from Kumarghat and the distance between

Kumarghat and Kailashahar justify the establishment of at least one court of

SDJM and Civil Judge, Jr.Div. at Kumarghat with provision for another court.

IN GOMATI JUDICIAL DISTRICT:

(vii) KARBOOK: At present there is no court at Karbook. It is a very remote

place in Gomati Judicial District having inadequate transport facilities. At present

there are 16 Criminal Cases of Karbook which are now pending in the courts at

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Amarpur. Distance between Karbook and Amarpur is about 30 kms. I am sure

that if the people get the forum near their home more disputes will come to Court

for judicial redress which are now being settled at the village level. Population of

Karbook is about 50 Thousand. But there is no Civil case of Karbook pending at

Amarpur which indicates that the civil disputes are being settled otherwise. A

population of 50 Thousand people require at least one Judge for judicial

adjudication of their disputes. Therefore, land should be identified for

construction of court buildings and residential accommodation for Judicial

Officer so that at least one court can be established there immediately. Creation

of post of Judicial Officer or supporting staff will not be necessary for

establishment of court at Karbook because without filling up the vacant court at

Amarpur an officer may be posted at Karbook and the supporting staff available

for the second court can be withdrawn from Amarpur and utilized for the Court

at Karbook as soon as such Court is established. Even if a full time court is not

justified, a circuit court can definitely be held in Karbook to take justice to

the door step of the people living in Karbook.

IN SOUTH TRIPURA JUDICIAL DISTRICT:

(viii) SHANTIR BAZAR: At present there is no court at Shantir Bazar. It is a

newly created revenue sub division. At present there are 1742 Criminal Cases

and 51 Civil Cases of Santirbazar which are now pending in the Courts of Belonia.

Distance between Santirbazar and Belonia is 16.8 kms. The number of cases from

Shantir Bazar is high and, therefore, we need to establish at least one court there

immediately. Some land may be identified there. This court complex should

consist of at least two courts and allied facilities.

(ix) AMBASSA: Ambassa is the Head quarters of Dhalai Revenue District. So, the

Headquarters of Dhalai Judicial District shall be at Ambassa where District Courts

are proposed to be established.

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Subdivisions that require court in order of priority

Name of station

Distance from Nearest Court in kms

Pendency Criminal

Pendency Civil

Total Pendency

Santirbazar 16.8 1742 51 1793

Kumarghat 30 1093 48 1141

Teliamura 33 300 40 340

Mohanpur 25 710 18 728

Panisagar 16 802 60 862

Jirania 15 203 4 207

Jampuijala 20 82 1 83

Karbook 30 16 0 16

*Jampui Hills 32 29 0 29

*Jampui Hills though not a revenue subdivision requires a court in terms of remoteness

ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW FAMILY COURTS:

At present there are 4 Family Courts in Tripura. Two at Agartala, in West

Tripura Judicial District, one at Udaipur in Gomati Judicial District and the

another at Kailashahar in Unakoti Judicial District. Pendency in the Agartala

Family Courts is 1,594, and pendency in Udaipur Family Court is 261 whereas it

16.8 30 33 25 16 15 20 30 32

1742

1093

300

710 802

203

82 16 29 51 48 40 18 60

4 1 0 0

1793

1141

340

728

862

207

83 16 29

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

2000

Distance from Nearest Court in kms Pendency Criminal Pendency Civil Total Pendency

Page 18 of 32

is 234 in the Family Court at Kailashahar. In the other 02 Judicial Districts namely

North Tripura Judicial District and South Tripura Judicial District, there is no

Family Court. The matrimonial disputes arising in those districts are being tried

by other courts of concurrent jurisdiction. The Family Courts Act, 1984 was

enacted for establishment of Family Courts with a view to promote conciliation

and secure speedy settlement of Family disputes. Conciliation and settlement of

family disputes in courts other than family Courts is not possible in the spirit of

the Family Courts Act, 1984. The Family disputes pending in South Tripura

Judicial District at present are 141 and it is 262 in North Tripura Judicial District

which justify establishment of Family Courts at Belonia in South Tripura and at

Dharmanagar in North Tripura. Similarly family disputes pending at Khowai is

81. At Kamalpur it is 75 and at Sonamura it is 98. Family disputes are increasing

day by day and looking to the trend of increase of such disputes, I am of the

feeling that it is necessary to establish family Courts at Ambassa in Dhalai

District, at Khowai in Khowai District and either at Bisramganj or at Sonamura in

Sepahijala District in the coming days. I, therefore, propose for establishment of

5 more Family Courts in Tripura. 2 in the existing Judicial Districts of South

Tripura and North Tripura and 3 in the proposed Judicial Districts of Sepahijala ,

Dhalai and Khowai.

District which need Family Courts in order of priority

Name of the District

Pending Family

Disputes

North 262

South 141

Bishramganj 98

Khowai 81

Dhalai 75

262

141

98

81 75

Pending Family Disputes

North

South

Bishramganj

Khowai

Dhalai

Page 19 of 32

ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMERCIAL COURT:

In the last conference of Chief Justices of High Courts held in New Delhi on

22-23rd April, 2016 it was resolved under agenda Item No.20 that the model

Commercial Courts shall be established in each of the States. Though the number

of commercial disputes in Tripura at present is 31 only, I find from the trend that

the number is increasing. Recently Government of India has taken initiative to

reduce the subject value of commercial disputes from Rupees 1 crore to 3 lakh

rupees by an amendment along with other amendments of the Commercial

Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division of the High

Courts Act, 2015. If the subject value is reduced to 3 lakh from 1 crore , I am sure

, the number of commercial disputes will increase manifold and we shall need

separate Commercial Courts for expeditious trial of such disputes.

I, therefore, propose for establishment of at least one separate Commercial

Court at Agartala as Model court for which suitable land needs to be identified

and drawing and design of the building plan may be made immediately. At my

instruction, such proposal has already been taken up with the State Government

from the Registry.

Commercial Court Justification:The rising graph of cases

Year Pendency Institution Total Pendency

2016 11 1 12

2017 12 19 30

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Pendency Institution Total Pendency

11

1

12 12

19

30

2016

2017

Page 20 of 32

Restructuring of man power of Sub-Ordinate Judiciary for their optimum utilization.

The following table represents the sanctioned strength and availability of staff members of Sub-ordinate Judiciary and justification for their restructuring.

Table – I *Number of Sanctioned

courts

Sanctioned staff

strength

Existing strength

**Present Court - staff ratio

Sanctioned Court – staff

ratio

68 1130 909 1:14 1:16

* The figure includes the sanctioned courts at Ambassa for creation of new Judicial District for Dhalai with Headquarters at Ambassa but does not include staff strength of 04 existing Family Courts and the proposed Family Court of Ambassa because the Family Courts’ staff can be utilized for Family Courts only. The Sanctioned strength for 05 Family Courts including the proposed one for Ambassa is 88. Staff available is 47 which means there are 41 vacancies in the Family Courts. ** Even if 10% of the sanctioned staff strength is considered as leave reserve, raising of staff strength will not be necessary. What is required is filling up of the vacancies on an urgent basis. The ratio of sanctioned 16 staff per court is high and should be considered more than adequate considering the number of pendency in the State. What is noticed from the information collected is that some courts are having excess staff but less work and the courts over burdened with work have lesser number of staff. Thus, staff rationalization is urgently required and an exercise in this regard will be carried out and the courts having

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

Sanctioned staff strength

Existing strength Sanctioned Court - staff ratio

1130

909

16

No

. of

Sa

nct

ion

ed

Co

urt

- 6

8*

Court & staff strength wise Graph

Page 21 of 32

more work in terms of filing and pendency shall be provided with more man power by redeploying the existing surplus man power available in other courts. Therefore, a scientific rationalization will be done to ensure rational utilization of manpower.

Table – II

The following table indicates sanctioned strength of various category of staff with number of vacancies existing as on date.

Sl. No.

Category of Staff Sanctioned

strength Existing strength

Vacancy

1. Chief Administrative-cum-Accounts Officer

06 00 06

2. Senior Sheristadar 14 00 14 3. Office Superintendent 21 21 00 4. Head Clerk/ Sheristadar 107 61 46 5. PS/PA/Stenographer 86 76 10 6. U.D.C. 121 116 05 7. L.D.C. 265 239 26 8. Driver 20 18 02 9. Baillif 30 22 08 10. Record Arranger 10 03 07 11. Duplicating Operator 06 01 05 12. Process Server 87 34 53 13. Duftry 06 02 04 14. Group-D 325 295 30 15. Contingent 26 21 05

Total 1130 909 221

CONSTRUCTION OF THE BUILDINGS OF TRIPURA JUDICIAL ACADEMY:

When Tripura Judiciary was under the Jurisdiction of Gauhati High Court,

there was no separate Judicial Academy for Tripura. There was a common

Judicial Academy called North-Eastern Judicial Officers’ Training Institute

(NEJOTI) at Guwahati in Assam for the seven north-eastern states for imparting

training to the Judicial Officers of those States. The Tripura Judicial Academy was

established as a registered society on 21.05.2014 under the Societies

Registration Act (Act XXI of 1860). The Chief Justice of the High Court is the ex-

Page 22 of 32

officio Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Academy. The management of

the academy has been vested in the hands of the Board of Governors consisting of

the Chief Justice of the High Court of Tripura as its Chairman & Judges of the High

Court of Tripura as members. Besides, the Chief Secretary, Government of

Tripura and Principal Secretary, Finance Department are also the members of the

Board of Governors.

The Tripura Judicial Academy is at present housed in the High Court

buildings. Recently, I have posted a serving Judicial officer of Grade-I of Tripura

Judicial Service as the Director of Tripura Judicial Academy.

I feel that establishment of a separate building for the Academy with all

amenities like class rooms, hostels, quarters for officers and staff members is

necessary.

State Government allotted 05 acres of land at Narsingharh for the

Academy, at a distance of about 7 kms from the High Court. PWD had

prepared drawing and design for construction of the Academy buildings

and cost estimate was worked out at Rs.19.26 Crore. But the construction

work has not yet been undertaken. The State Government initially

sanctioned an amount of Rs. 6 crore to start the construction work.

Subsequently as per the proposal received from the High Court the State

Government agreed to utilize this 6 crore for the purpose of construction of

the Administrative building and defer the construction of the Judicial

Academy. But the construction of the Judicial Academy is an urgent need. At

my direction, the Director of the Judicial Academy has collected the

drawing and design of Judicial Academies from some of the small states and

we can now examine those drawings and designs to rework out the drawing

and design of the academy suitable to cater to our needs and the cost

estimate may also be done afresh. I am confident that the Academy can be

very useful to build human resource by imparting quality training to

Judicial Officers, support staff, Prosecutors, Juvenile Justice stakeholders,

Page 23 of 32

Police Officers, Remand Advocates, Mediators, Legal Services Functionaries

and all others associated with the dispensation of Justice.

Construction of the Office building of the Academy with auditorium, class

rooms quarters for officers and staff members and residential accommodation

for trainee Judicial Officers needs to be started soon so that Tripura can have its

own State Judicial Academy building like other States.

Layout plan of Proposed Judicial Academy

After ascertaining the needs of the judicial officers and a review of the

functioning of the academy I have identified the areas that require training and

accordingly the academy finalized its annual calendar and proposes to conduct

training within its available resources for the Judges, Police Officers and other

functionaries associated with the administration of justice.

Subjects chosen for 2018 Academic Calendar follows:

Various stages in the trial of Civil cases with specific reference to Civil Procedure Code.

Various administrative matters with specific reference to Court administration.

Refresher Course for Judicial Officers.

Page 24 of 32

Training on Civil Laws.

Stages in Criminal trial.

NDPS Act, POCSO Act, Prevention of Corruption Act, Victim Compensation Scheme, Law relating to Medical negligence.

Motor Accident Claim Cases with special reference to Fault liability, Principles to Determine Compensation in Death Cases, Compensation on Death of a child, Death of house wife, Injury Cases, How To Assess Damages, Assessing Disability, Compensation for future treatment, ‘Pecuniary advantage’ not liable for deduction, Section 163-A, no fault liability, Composite and Contributory Negligence, Statutory Defenses Available To Insurance Company, Accident Information Report - Sections 158(6) and 166(4)M.V. Act, Permission under section 170 M.V.Act, Deposit of Compensation withdrawal guidelines, Is the Insurance Company entitled to deduct Income Tax on the amount of compensation deposited,

TLR & LR Act, with specific reference to restoration of possession of land of tribals taken over by non tribals,applicabiliyty of limitation Act to appeals under TLR & LR Act,Presumtion as to correctness of entries in records,Bar to jurisdiction of Civil Courts etc

Tripura Police Act,Forest Laws and other local laws administered by the Judicial Officers in Tripura including local amendments to Indian Forest Act 1927.

Annual Conclave

THE STATE LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY AND IMPROVEMENT OF ADR:

The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Process needs to be popularized

in the State. We have a lot more to do particularly in the areas of mediation and

plea bargaining. I am told that no effort was taken for plea bargaining in any of

the cases after the system was introduced by amendment of the Code of Criminal

Procedure. Similarly, mediation activities also need improvement in the State for

which the referral courts need to take initiatives and more number of trained

mediators need to be made available. I have already issued instruction to the

Judicial Officers in this regard. In the High Court we have started referring

matrimonial appeals to the High Court mediation centre.

Mediation is the most successful of the ADR methods. High Court has been

promoting ADR in a big manner to reduce pendency of cases. Mediation has been

very successful in settling family disputes. Number of cases referred to High

Page 25 of 32

Court Mediation centre so far this year is 8 in number up from 1 case referred in

2013. A graphical representation of the cases referred from 2013 onwards

follows:

These activities have been mainly entrusted to the Tripura State Legal

Services Authority which has been functioning from a rented house at the

monthly rent of Rs.20,000/-. Recently, the State Legal Services Authority has

approached the State Government for allotment of 0.280 acres (14 Gandas) land

at Kunjavan where they can build their own office. I am told that the State

Government has agreed to allot the land to the State Legal Services Authority.

They have planned to construct their own buildings along with the District ADR

Centre with the fund available with them on this land. I hope that the State

Government will issue the allotment order very soon. They were paying

Rs.20,000/- per month as rent for the rented accommodation of their office. For

utilization of this money for legal aid and legal services, I have asked them to shift

their office to bungalow no. Type-VI/I at Kunjaban Township which is now

within the occupancy of the High Court until a befitting accommodation is made

available to the State Authority.

8

3

6

0

1

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

2018 2017 2016 2014 2013

Cases Referred for Mediation in the High Court

Page 26 of 32

QUARTERS FOR JUDICIAL OFFICERS:

The Judicial Officers need befitting accommodation to comfortably discharge the

duties entrusted to them. During my visit to different Courts in the State, I have

received inputs from Judicial Officers and come to know that in some of the

places the Judicial Officers are either living in rented house for want of quarter

and where quarters are available those are lying in a very dilapidated condition.

Therefore, there is an immediate need for construction of new quarters and

major renovation of some of the quarters. The State Government may also

provide requisitioned house to the Judicial Officers where the officers are living

in rented accommodation. I shall now deal with the issue district-wise:

IN WEST TRIPURA JUDICIAL DISTRICT

AGARTALA: There are only 12 Type-IV quarters for Judicial Officers available at

Agartala at Nazirpukurpar, Krishnanagar. There is hardly any open space inside

the quarters for the children of officers to play. All these quarters are very old

which are lying in a deplorable shape. Even after the recent maintenance, the

condition of the quarters did not improve. We need at least 13 quarters for the

Judicial Officers of the Cadre of District Judge as per their entitlement, 12

quarters for officers of the grade of Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Sr.Civil Judge

and 10 quarters for officers of the Grade of Civil Judge, (Jr. Divn.) for which land

is also required. Adequate land in the outskirt of the city may be identified for

this purpose with adequate space for play-ground facilities, car parking etc. to

the officers.

BISHALGARH: Two quarters at Bishalgarh are almost unworthy of living. The

State Government should immediately undertake construction work of two(2)

quarters for Judicial Officers at Bishalgarh in the existing place.

SONAMURA: At present, there are one type-V quarters & two type –IV quarters

at Sonamura. Sanctioned posts of Judicial Officers at Sonamura are 04 (four).

Therefore, immediate construction of one more quarter as per the standard

Page 27 of 32

drawing & design approved by the High Court at Sonamura is necessary besides

major renovation of the existing quarters.

KHOWAI: If the Court of District & Sessions Judge is established at Khowai, the

duplex quarters earmarked for the Add. District & Sessions Judge may be

earmarked for the District & Sessions Judge and construction of 4 (Four) more

new quarters for the Judge, Family Court, Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Civil

Judge(Sr.Div.) , Civil Judge (Jr.Div.) and one Judicial Magistrate will be necessary

with provision for vertical extension. Multistoried buildings may be constructed

for this purpose with provision to cater to future needs.

IN GOMATI JUDICIAL DISTRICT:

AMARPUR: Two (2) quarters at Amarpur are also lying in a very dilapidated

condition and those are totally unworthy of living. Adequate land is available in

the existing quarters. Therefore, the State government may undertake

construction of a double storied building for providing two quarters to two

Judicial Officers at Amarpur.

IN SOUTH TRIPURA JUDICIAL DISTRICT:

BELONIA: For District Judge, Duplex quarter like other stations need to be built.

The existing type-V quarter earmarked for the District Judge requires urgent

major renovation and painting The Quarters at Belonia have become very old.

The Quarters should either be properly renovated or new quarters should be

constructed. At present no accommodation is available for senior Civil Judge and

the District Secretary. Therefore, 2 new quarters are required to be built at the

available land.

SABROOM: 2 quarters available at Sabroom requires major renovation. It would

be appropriate if a two storied building is constructed at the available land to

accommodate befitting accommodation for both of the officers.

Page 28 of 32

IN NORTH TRIPURA JUDICIAL DISTRICT:

DHARMANAGAR: At Dharmanagar except the quarters of the District & Sessions

Judge, the other two quarters are in a very bad shape and two Judicial Officers

are living in rented accommodation for want of quarters. Therefore, the State

Government should undertake construction of Four (4) quarters for four Judicial

Officers at Dharmanagar immediately. Adequate land has been allotted to

District Judiciary for construction of quarters. The construction of new quarters

may take time. Therefore, requisitioned house should be provided to the officers

those who are living in rented house immediately.

KANCHANPUR: There are Two (2) Type-IV quarters for Judicial Officers at

Kanchanpur which need immediate repairing so that the Judicial Officers can

live comfortably in those quarters. If Court building is constructed at Bhangmun

quarters should be constructed.

IN UNAKOTI JUDICIAL DISTRICT:

KAMALPUR: The quarters of Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate at Kamalpur is

lying in a dilapidated condition. New quarters need to be constructed at

Kamalpur in place of the existing one.

LONGTHARAI VALLEY: There are Two (2) quarters at Longtharai Valley for

Judicial Officers and those quarters need major repairing works and

maintenance.

GANDACHERRA: There are Two (2) quarters at Gandacherra for two Judicial

Officers and those quarters also need major repairing works and maintenance.

AMBASSA: At Ambassa also we need Two (2) quarters of approved model for the

District & Sessions Judge and Judge Family Court and 5 quarters for other

officers. The construction of quarters needs to be undertaken in the allotted land

simultaneously with the construction of Court buildings.

Page 29 of 32

Ambassa being a remote station and rented house not being easily

available, work for construction of staff quarters should also be undertaken

simultaneously with the construction of quarters for Judicial Officers and for this

purpose suitable land needs to be identified.

CREATION OF REGULAR CADRE OF PUBLIC PROSECUTORS AND ASSISTANT

PUBLIC PROSECUTORS:

The rate of conviction in criminal cases, compared to the rate in other

states, is very low in Tripura. I am of the opinion that if prosecution is conducted

more effectively, rate of conviction will go up. It is therefore, necessary to create

a regular cadre of Prosecutors by making their appointment through competitive

examination so that suitable persons can be appointed as prosecutors through

assessment of their legal knowledge and forensic skills.

IMPROVEMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM:

The Juvenile Justice system in the State needs improvement. Number of

cases pending before the 8 Juvenile Justice Boards in Tripura is 165 and at

Agartala in West Tripura District it is 75. The Juvenile Justice (Care and

Protection of Children) Act, 2015 is a rehabilitative Act which has made various

provisions for special treatment of the Juveniles in conflict with law and children

in need of care and protection keeping in mind the best interest of children for

their rehabilitation and restoration to family. Under the Juvenile Justice Act,

inquiry of every case needs to be completed within a time frame of 4 months

from the date of first production of the child before the board and the period may

be extended only by 2 more months for special reasons. But hardly any inquiry is

completed within this statutory period. I have instructed the Judicial Magistrates

presiding over the Boards to raise the frequency of sitting and take other

measures to complete the inquiries against juveniles in time.

But looking to the pendency of such cases at Agartala I propose for

establishment of a separate building for the Juvenile Justice Board with all

Page 30 of 32

amenities in a suitable place at Agartala. The Agartala Juvenile Justice Board is

now sitting in a house at Narsingarh near Tripura Police Academy. The building

is old and dilapidated. Though, the place is suitable, the buildings need to be

rebuilt with all amenities for such children and there must be more observation

homes and special homes in Tripura.

Each of the Districts should have at least one observation home and in

view of the pendency one special home should be established for a group of

nearby Districts in the spirit of the law. Moreover, the Juvenile Justice Boards are

operating from the Court premises except the Agartala Juvenile Justice Board

which is contrary to law. The Juvenile Justice Act clearly provides that Juvenile

Justice Board shall function from a house away from Court. It should be taken

care of and each of the Juvenile Justice Boards should be provided with a well

equipped office away from Court.

Constitution of Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum called ‘District Forum’

in all Revenue Districts:

After bifurcation of the South Tripura District, no separate Consumer Disputes

Redressal Forum known as ‘District Forum’ was constituted for the South

Tripura District with headquarters at Belonia. Similarly, after bifurcation of the

North Tripura District, no separate ‘District Forum’ was constituted for the North

Tripura District with headquarters at Dharmanagar. The District Forum which

was constituted vide Notification No.F.17(10)-FSD/94 dated 14.02.1995 for the

un-divided South Tripura District has been functioning from Udaipur in Gomati

District. Similarly, the District Forum which was constituted for un-divided North

Tripura District vide Notification No. F.17(10)-FSD/94 dated 06.01.1996 has

been functioning from Kailashahar in Unakoti District. Therefore, there is no

separate District Forum for South Tripura District at Belonia and North Tripura

District at Dharmanagar.

Page 31 of 32

Moreover, no ‘District Forum’ has yet been created for Khowai Revenue District

and Sepahijala Revenue District.

The Registrar General under my instruction has taken up the matter with the

State Government for establishment of ‘District Forum’ under section 9 of the

Consumer Protection Act, 1986 at Belonia in South Tripura District &

Dharmanagar in North Tripura District and also at Khowai & Sonamura in

Khowai Revenue District & Sepahijala Revenue District respectively.

The District & Sessions Judges of the South Tripura Judicial District and North

Tripura Judicial District and the Additional District & Sessions Judges of Khowai

& Sonamura may be appointed as the President of these ‘District Forums’ in their

respective District. Immediate creation of the Forums are necessary to provide

redress to the aggrieved consumers of those areas.

Raising of the fees of Family Court Counsellors:

The Tripura Family Court Rules, 2002 has provided a very meager amount of fees

for the Counsellors who assist the Family Judge in counseling and settlement of

family disputes which is Rs.75 per sitting for general counselors and Rs.200 for

medical experts. The Registrar General under my instruction has taken up with

the State Government vide letter dated10.04.2018 for raising the fees of general

counsellors from Rs.75 to Rs.250 and from Rs.200 to Rs.500 per sitting for

medical experts to improve the quality of counseling and early settlement of

family disputes. The matter needs to be taken care of by the State Government.

FRAMING OF “THE TRIPURA VIDEO CONFERENCING (CONDUCT OF

PROCEEDINGS INCLUDING RECORDING OF EVIDENCE AND REMAND OF

ACCUSED IN THE TRIAL/REMAND COURTS) RULES, 2017”:

For recording evidence of witnesses living in distant places particularly in

matrimonial cases and evidence of expert witnesses like doctors, forensic experts

etc. through video conferencing to save their time and the expenses incurred

Page 32 of 32

from public exchequer for procuring their attendance in Court including

recording of evidence and remand of accused through VC. Rules have been made

by the High Court which require approval of the State Government. “The Tripura

Video Conferencing (Conduct of proceedings including Recording of Evidence

and Remand of Accused in the trial/remand courts) Rules, 2017” approved by

the High Court have been sent to the State Government from the Registry of this

High Court. No response has yet been received from the State Government.

Framing of the rules are necessary to introduce this system which will be very

useful. The matter needs immediate attention of the State Government.

IMPROVEMENT OF THE LIVING CONDITIONS OF STAFF MEMBERS OF

DISTRICT JUDICIARY:

The employees of the subordinate judiciary are a vital part of the mechanism of

dispensation of justice. During my visit to the District courts, I have received

inputs that there is acute lack of accommodation for the staffs of the subordinate

judiciary. As a result in most of the places they are living in rented house. The

rent being very high they cannot take larger house on rent to live with their

families. Suitable accommodations are not also available in places other than

Agartala, Udaipur and Kailashahar. Under these compelling circumstances they

keep their families at Agartala and such separation affects their performance.

They also find it difficult to secure accommodation from the common pool of

quarters. It is therefore an imperative on the part of the State Government either

to construct adequate number of quarters for the staffs of the subordinate

judiciary or provide such quarters to them from Government pool. Quarters need

to be provided to the staff members in the remotest places like Gandacherra,

Longtharai Valley, Kanchanpur, Amarpur, Kamalpur, Sabroom on priority basis

and gradually in other places also.