Pune: Supreme Court Justice Abhay Oak emphasized that it is the constitutional obligation of state governments to provide essential infrastructure for courts, ensuring access to justice for all citizens. Speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the new criminal court building in Yerwada, he remarked that despite 75 years of India’s Constitution, delays in justice remain a serious concern.
The event was attended by Justice Prasanna Varale, Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol, High Court Justices Revati Mohite Dere, Sandeep Marne, Arif Doctor, District Judge Mahendra Mahajan, and other dignitaries. The upcoming court complex will house judicial magistrate (first class) courts handling cases related to cheque bounce, the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, and other special laws.
Dr. Atul Zende, Senior Court Manager (Pune District), shared details about the project, which will be constructed on an 8,100-square-meter site with a total built-up area of 40,000 square meters.
The new facility will feature:
28 courtrooms presided over by judicial magistrates (first class)
E-Seva Kendra for public assistance
Separate elevators for transporting accused individuals
Childcare room and e-Library for legal resources
Judges’ conference hall and library
Medical facilities with a dedicated medical officer
Post office and railway reservation counter
14 witness rooms on each floor (separately designated for men and women)
Residential suites for judicial staff
200-seat auditorium
Lock-up facilities
Justice Oak addressed the growing backlog of cases, stating that while case numbers have surged into the lakhs, it is inappropriate for lawyers to boycott courts. He urged both judges and lawyers to diligently fulfill their responsibilities, emphasizing that boycotts and work stoppages negatively impact justice delivery.
Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol added that Pune’s population has surpassed one crore, significantly increasing the burden on the existing Shivajinagar court. The new facility aims to ease this pressure and enhance law enforcement efforts.
Justice Oak suggested that before undertaking large-scale infrastructure projects, the Public Works Department should have cost estimates reviewed by expert institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). He noted that optimizing costs could potentially free up funds for additional buildings, expanding judicial facilities without unnecessary financial strain.
Expressing concern over inadequate infrastructure, Justice Oak pointed out that the 150-year-old Bombay High Court building lacks basic amenities, including seating for litigants. Despite a directive to allocate 25 acres for a new High Court building by 2019, the government has only provided four acres as of 2025. He remarked that neighboring states have made better investments in judicial infrastructure compared to Maharashtra, underscoring the urgent need for improvement.
With the foundation now laid for the new Yerwada court, legal professionals and citizens alike hope for swift completion and better access to justice in Pune.
