KOCHI: To the relief of litigants and lawyers, the District Court Complex premises will bring under its roof courts which are currently functioning at various locations in the city.
If things go according to plan, the Maradu Judicial First Class Magistrate (JFCM) Court, the Kunnumpuram JFCM and the Palluruthy JFCM (NI Act Cases) will commence functioning here tentatively by September 15, according to a court staff.
A section of lawyers under the banner of All India Lawyers Union (AILU) has submitted a memorandum to the government demanding the shifting of Kunnumpuram, Maradu and Palluruthy courts to District Court Complex after the move was delayed owing to various reasons.
The renovation work in the old building to house these courts are now in its final stage.
The Ernakulam Family Court, now functioning at Kaloor, and the Additional District and Sessions Court (for cases relating to atrocities and sexual violence against women and children) will also soon be shifted to the District Court Complex, a staff said.
At present, 18 courts are located in the new District Court Complex which was inaugurated on November 1. The inclusion of these three courts pushes the number up to 21.
Lawyers are now demanding the setting up of more courts here, including a special court for trying cases in the district related to Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Ten other courts, including the CBI Special Court and Family Court, currently function in rented buildings in the city. The Wakf Tribunal and the Special Court for Idamalayar Investigations have been functioning in the KSHB Complex at Panampilly Nagar and the Special Courts (SPE/CBI)-I and II are at Kaloor.
With the shifting of the Family Court to the District Court Complex, the Special CBI Court-III will be moved to that building in Kaloor and the complex will then house courts for CBI and NIA cases. Of the three Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal (MACT) in the district, the one functioning in the city shifted to the new building last year. The tribunal deals with claims relating to loss of life, property and injury in accidents arising out of the use of motor vehicles.
If the courts functioning in rented buildings too move to the new court complex, it will be convenient to litigants and lawyers, said a court staff. The Ernakulam District Court Bar Association president P K Sajeevan echoed the view. "At present the District Court tries cases related to the NDPS Act and cases under SC/ST Act. The government has sanctioned special courts for these cases in Ernakulam and this will also function at the District Court premises," he said.
“In Kochi city where huge traffic snarls are common, moving from one court to another is very difficult. The shifting of Kunnumpuram, Maradu and Palluruthy courts to the complex is a big relief to lawyers. Usually, if lawyers and litigants are late for a court appearance, the case will be posted to another day. The setting up of more courts under one roof will avert these kind of delays and issues," said Premson Paul, a lawyer.
Evolution of the district's courts
It was during the time of Col Munro in 1812 a Zilla Court was established in Kochi and it was placed under the orders of the Dewan who was the head of the executive. These courts were to conduct all civil and criminal cases. But in 1845, the Zilla Court was abolished and its place was taken by the Principal Subadar Amins Court. During the reign of Rama Varma, in the mid to late 19th century, the designation of the principal subadar amins was changed into subordinate judge.
Following this, 'Valiya' Court, also known as Huzur Court, was established. It was presided over by the Dewan, a Hindu and a Christian Judge, and a 'shastri'. All disputes were to be settled according to the provisions of the 'Dharmashastra' and the custom of the land. Appeals against the decisions of the Subordinate Court were to be filed in the Huzur Court. In 1818, the Huzur Court was converted into an Appeal Court and it was also renamed the Zilla Court.
Munsiff Courts commenced functioning in Ernakulam in 1835. Its jurisdiction was extended to taluks. The establishment of Munsiff Courts provided relief to the Zilla Court, as it reduced the volume of work considerably.
In 1882, four classes of courts - the Munsiff Court, the earlier abolished Zilla Court, the Appeal Court and His Highness the Raja's Court of Appeal - came into existence. Later, a Chief Court was constituted and put an end to the Raja's Court of Appeal, while the designation of the Zilla Court changed into District Court in 1900.
Village Panchayat Courts were set up in 1913-14. Subsequently, in 1938 the Chief Court of Cochin was converted into a High Court. During the reign of Rani Gouri Lakshmi Bai, a Subordinate Court at Aluva for the Alangad Mukham was established. This Court was subsequently named the Zilla Court and was located at Paravur. In 1831, Munsiff Courts were first set up in Aluva, Paravur, Perumbavoor, Muvattupuzha and Thodupuzha. A Village Panchayat Court was set up at Paravur in 1917.