CM unveils advocate general’s office at high court in Jodhpur

Jodhpur: Chief minister Ashok Gehlot inaugurated the office of the advocate-general at the high court in Jodhpur on Monday. The office has been constructed at a cost of Rs 22.55 crore. He also inspected the chamber and facilities at the office along with chief justice A G Masih and justice Vijay Bishnoi. The CM assured the legal fraternity that he had sanctioned Rs 110 crore for the building of the high court in 2009 and there would be no shortage of funds for it. Talking about initiatives taken by his government, Gehlot said that Rajasthan had introduced many important laws in the country. “We have taken historic steps in drafting and introduction of advocates’ protection bill, gig workers’ welfare bill, right to health, minimum income guarantee, etc. Many other state governments are imitating them,” he said.Asserting that his government was committed to the betterment of infrastructure in the judicial sphere, Gehlot said that his government upgraded and opened more than 200 courts, which has contributed to expedited disposal of pending cases.He said that information technology should be leveraged at its fullest in disposal of pending cases. He said that pending cases had become a big issue and there should be serious consideration on the reasons for this.He emphasized that the high court and state government should jointly put in efforts to set up new fast-track courts to speed up the justice delivery system.

Delhi court rejects discharge plea of Gehlot in defamation case

The Rouse Avenue court in Delhi has rejected the application of CM Ashok Gehlot to be discharged from a defamation suit filed against him by Union jal shakti minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. Gehlot argued that the complainant had not been present in court during the past three hearings. Shekhawat had filed the suit against Gehlot for naming him and his family in the Sanjeevani scam. Gehlot's request for acquittal was denied.

Lift Bombay high court stay on post-facto green nod for large projects: Government to Supreme Court

The Indian central government has filed a petition with the Supreme Court to challenge an order by the Bombay high court that granted a stay on granting post facto clearances to large projects in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas. The stay order was issued in response to a PIL filed by NGO Vanashakti, which argued that granting post facto clearances would undermine the law requiring prior CRZ approvals. The central government has stated that almost 500 projects of national importance have been affected by the stay. The Supreme Court is expected to hear the matter on Monday.

Full court farewell for Justice Somayajulu

Justice D V S S Somayajulu was given a grand farewell by the high court on his retirement. He was praised for his services and his rise from being an advocate to a high court judge. Justice Somayajulu disposed of numerous cases on various subjects and also held positions in cricket and legal associations. He thanked his colleagues and expressed satisfaction with his career. The high court bar association felicitated him and his family.