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July 1, 2011

CM attends 150 years anniversary of Calcutta High Court

CM attends 150 years anniversary of Calcutta High Court

Kolkata, July1: The Calcutta High Court celebrated 150 years on Friday. Established in July 1, 1862 is regarded as the oldest High Court in the country. It has jurisdiction over West Bengal and the Union Territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The majestic Court building is an exact replica of the Stand Haus in Ypres, Belgium.

Speaking on this occasion West Bengal chief minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee began on a lighter note saying that while listening to the speakers she felt that the mood in the room was becoming serious and to break the monotony she would rather prefer talking on issues which are not so serious. `I agree that serious talks are important but equally important is laughter, hence I will try to divert the attention and make you all a bit relaxed`, smiled Ms. Banerjee. She began by saying that it was a coincidence that both Rabindranath Tagore and the Calcutta High Court are celebrating 150th anniversary and it was indeed a special occasion. West Bengal governor M.K. Narayanan, union law minister M. Veerappa Moily, union finance minister Pranab Mukherjee, West Bengal law minister Malay Ghatak were some of the names who graced the occasion.

Ms. Banerjee said that she feels that those working in the legal field in the state should be provided with basic amenities as openly then the lawyers will be able to deliver better. `I have often noticed that the situation in the remote districts is pathetic where four judges are fetched in one police car which is absolutely unacceptable`. She attracted the attention of those present in the hall towards the lack of record rooms and poor condition of toilets in the courts often causing embarrassment for the female staffs.

Chief Minister Banerjee adding a human touch stressed on the need to work out on a module that will provide the lawyers a sense of security and stressed on the need to build housings under the `own your own house scheme`. `I have always felt that the lawyers must have a security as only then they will be able to work better and I suggest a few pilot projects in this regards`. She reiterated that those working in courts can have the house depending upon their income bracket. `I suggest that lets prepare a module consisting A,B and C categories`, she said.

Raising the issue of providing the financial security to the lawyers Ms. Banerjee said that she has requested the state law minister Malay Ghatak to prepare a list of lawyers working in the state and also work towards preparing a module in which they can be roped in as only then issues like providing financial aids will be easy. `I have asked state law minister Malay Ghatak and Union Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily to look into issues like constituting insurance and health schemes`. `I will be grateful to Pranabda and Moilyji if they can provide some funds for the same but I will not pressure them. We will do it on our own`, smiled Ms. Banerjee. 

Finally, she concluded her speech on the poetic note, `Andhokar r utsho hote utbhashito aalo, shokol dondo birodh majhe jagroto je bhaalo, sei to tomar bhaalo`. (Let the dawn come out of the darkness, all the differences get over and fill the surroundings with happiness and contentment). 

She reiterated her strong affiliation with the Calcutta High Court as well as the Bar Association and whenever invited had come and will continue to do so in future also.