Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV/MD)
Mangalore, Jun 21: "Our democracy is the largest in the world. The judiciary plays a vital role in upholding the value of the democracy. If the judiciary is right, democracy will flourish. Not everyone is aware of law hence it is our responsibility to educate people it," said high court judge Dr K Bhakthavatsala.
He was addressing the audience after inaugurating 'Legal Aid Clinic' at the district court premises. The programme was jointly organized by the District Legal Service Authority, Mangalore and the District Bar Association.
He added, "We are born as human beings; it is our duty to help the needy. Legal Aid Center is similar to a doctor's clinic. It will provide free legal service to the poor and needy, who are not aware of the law or to those who cannot afford access to legal help due to financial constraints. Every advocate's office should have this kind of legal aid clinic."
"It is easy to violate the law but to achieve something we should strive hard. Legal Aid Clinic will provide free legal service to those who cannot afford lawyers. An advocate's profession is a highly important profession; hence it is the responsibility of the advocates to serve the people," he said.
Uma M G, the district sessions court judge said, "Legal Aid Clinic is like primary health care centre to serve the backward, downtrodden people of the society. Here people will get free legal service."
District civil court Judge N S Patil welcomed the gathering.
P Ashok Ariga, the president of District Bar Association thanked.
B Vittal Rai, the secretary of Bar Association was present on this occasion.
Foundation stone for judicial quarters
The foundation stone laying ceremony for the designated quarters of principle district and sessions judge, and judicial officers quarters A and B blocks was held at Hat Hill here on Saturday June 21.
Justice Dr K Bhakthavatsala, judge of Karnataka high court, laid the foundation stone in the presence of minister for forest and environment Ramanath Rai, MLA J R Lobo, corporator Shashidhar Hegde, principle district and sessions judge Uma M G, executive engineer, public works department Gopal Nayak and others.
Speaking to the media Justice K Bhakthavatsala said that the construction work would begin soon after the rainy season.
"The quarters of principle district and sessions judge, spanning an area of 4,000 sq ft, would be built at an estimated cost of Rs 135 lac and will be ready within a year. Judicial officers quarters A block will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 8.20 lac with 12 flats, judicial officers quarters B block will cost around Rs 10 lac with 16 flats. These will replace the existing old quarters. The old quarters are almost 60 years old," he said.
"In Moodbidri the construction of court and quarters is complete and will be inaugurated within a month and in Beltangady the construction of the twin quarters at the cost of Rs 200 crore has started," he added.
Corporator Praveen Chandra Alva, Ashok Ariga, Vittal Raj, Lavanya and others were also present on the occasion.