New Delhi, Jul 15 The Coordination Committee of All District Court Bar Associations of Delhi on Wednesday termed the DHCBA's ongoing strike against the possible enhancement in the pecuniary jurisdiction of district courts as "unfortunate" and against public interest.
The committee also said the enhancement should not stop at the proposed Rs 10 crore, and given the national capital's status as a major commercial hub and financial centre, the pecuniary jurisdiction should be raised to at least Rs 20 crore, or ideally made unlimited, consistent with several other states.
Earlier, the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) resolved to abstain from work on July 14 in view of the a full court of the high court here favouring the enhancement of pecuniary jurisdiction or financial limit of district courts from Rs 2 crore to Rs 10 crore.
Currently, the high court hears civil and commercial matters valued above Rs 2 crore, but with the proposed change, district courts will be able to hear cases valued up to Rs 10 crore.
The strike entered its second day on Wednesday, following which the committee issued a release in the evening saying it had taken "serious note of the continued opposition" by the DHCBA.
"The decision of the DHCBA to continue its strike for the second consecutive day on the ground that the enhancement would adversely affect the livelihood of a section of its members is unfortunate and contrary to the larger public interest," the release said.
It said the committee has consistently maintained that the issue of enhancement of pecuniary jurisdiction is not a dispute between two bars, nor an issue of professional interests, but a matter concerning access to and effective administration of justice.
"Personal or sectional interests cannot override reforms that are intended to improve the efficiency of the judicial system and benefit society at large. The recommendation of the full court reflects a considered institutional decision taken after constituting a committee, consulting all stakeholders and holding detailed deliberations," the release said.
It said the recommendation acknowledges the urgent need for reform in view of the national capital's increasing number of high-value civil disputes because of a rapidly expanding economy.
"However, the coordination committee respectfully reiterates that the enhancement should not stop at Rs 10 crore," the release said.
It said that considering the status of Delhi as the national capital and one of the country's largest commercial and financial centres, the pecuniary jurisdiction of the district courts should be enhanced to at least Rs 20 crore and preferably be made unlimited, as is the position in several other states.
According to the release, the district judiciary possesses adequate infrastructure, experienced judicial officers and institutional capacity to adjudicate higher-value civil disputes effectively.
