BENGALURU:Litigants and advocates now need not wait for months and shell out bribes to get hold of judgment copies. Setting an example for other courts, the city Civil Court is handing out judgment copies in just 10 minutes, courtesy online system.
Inspired by the initiative, several teams from other states are visiting this court to emulate the model.
Drastic changes were brought in about after introducing online system for disposal of applications, filing of certified copy of judgments, records, order sheet, statement of witnesses, accused, charge sheet, FIR, and so on.
This initiative is bringing teams from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala judicial administrations to the city civil court to adopt the reforms. More states are expected to send their representatives.
The change came after judge K M Radhakrishna took over as the Registrar of the Civil Court in September 2015. Advocate N I Gnanesh said that the court sees a footfall of almost 30,000 people daily. As many as 800 applications are filed in copying branch every day and about 25,000 a month. Now, target has been fixed for staff and their performance is evaluated. If there is delay, the reasons must be mentioned, Gnanesh added.
Another major reform was in the functioning of mahazar branch, which executes summons, warrants, notices and property attachment orders. Corrupt practices were rampant in this branch. Now, it has been streamlined by maintaining a separate register. The staff of 90 ensures all details are recorded by writing the name of the party, address and contact number. The officials call up the party to whom the warrant/summons has been executed to check whether bribe was demanded. Earlier, false reports used to be filed by the staff in collusion with the accused, citing that addressee was not found and several other reasons. Now there is 98 per cent progress in execution section, a judicial officer said.
G M Umesh, working in the office of a senior advocate, said that the reforms brought in city civil court can’t be seen even in high court. It is happy to see that the court in our state is a model for neighbouring states, he added.
Other reforms
Biometric system was introduced for attendance. The staff are now punctual and work between 10 am and 5.45 pm. Only 10 minutes grace time is given for attendance
To check the physical presence of staff, movement register is being maintained.The staffer has to mark time of exit and the return to office
Installation of CCTVs has also yielded result. The Registrar monitors the physical presence of staff with surprise visits. Coffee/tea sellers have been allowed inside the office so that staff needn’t go out for regular breaks
Those playing truant were punished by cutting or deferring increments
Security was tightened to prevent multiple exits and entries
Parking has been streamlined by providing slots separately for judges, advocates and litigants
Cleanliness and hygiene too have been enhanced on the premises with drinking water facility on all floors and designated smoking area