Bombay High Court seeks State response on plea seeking land for Labour Court in Solapur

The Bombay High Court has sought the response of the Maharashtra government to a petition filed by the Labour Law Practitioners Association of Solapur seeking directions to the Solapur District Collector to allot government land for the construction of a new Labour and Industrial Court [Anil Kakade v State of Maharashtra] .The petition filed by the President and Vice- President of Labour Law Practitioner's Association through advocate Balaji Yenge claimed that the existing court at Solapur is currently functioning on the third and fourth floors of a rented building, which has led to significant inconvenience for both lawyers and litigants. The petitioners stated that the current premises lack sufficient space and proper amenities, including lift facilities, toilet facilities for women and adequate parking. These deficiencies have been causing hardships, particularly for disabled litigants and advocates with mobility issues.A Bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Bharati Dangre issued notice to the State and the Solapur District Collector on March 7..The petitioners, who are practicing advocates and members of the Labour Law Practitioners Association, had made multiple representations to the authorities over the years, requesting the allotment of government land for the construction of the Labour and Industrial Court. Despite their efforts, no action was taken. As per the plea, the current court premises are not fit for the present demands of the legal system, causing delays and difficulties for litigants and the legal community alike..According to the petitioners, the existing rented building, which has been in use since 1972, is in a dilapidated condition. The lack of basic facilities such as a lift and toilets has created a barrier to access for women litigants, senior members of the bar and physically challenged individuals, the petitioners pointed out.They further said that lack of parking space for both four-wheelers and two-wheelers force advocates and litigants to park on public roads. Hence, the High Court should issue directions to the authorities to allot one of several identified government lands for the construction of a new court building. The lands suggested are located near the new Collector Office, the Government Milk Scheme and other vacant plots in Solapur. These plots, which total approximately 7.5 acres, are ideal for the construction of a modern, accessible, and adequately equipped Labour and Industrial Court, it was submitted..The matter will be heard again in four weeks.Advocate Balaji Yenge along with advocate Ashok B Tajane appeared for the petitioners.Additional Government Pleader RA Salunkhe appeared for the State of Maharashtra.Advocate Anand Kulkarni represented the Municipal Commissioner of Solapur..[Read Order]