On Friday, the Karnataka High Court took note of persistent overcrowding in Court Hall No. 14, where advocates have reportedly been struggling to enter, move around and find seats, particularly after lunch. Justice M. Nagaprasanna invited the Bar to suggest workable measures, indicating that the issue required an immediate solution as the growing rush was affecting the functioning of the court.
The discussion began when Senior Advocate K.N. Phanindra raised concerns over the limited seating capacity and the increasing number of persons occupying the courtroom. He pointed out that lawyers were often unable to find seats, while litigants attending settlement discussions and others waiting for their matters to be called added to the crowd later in the day. The senior counsel also raised the issue of interns occupying chairs meant for advocates, stating that lawyers were being compelled to ask them to vacate seats.
Additional Solicitor General Arvind Kamath suggested segregating matters likely to be heard in the morning and afternoon, noting that advocates whose cases were listed later often occupied seats from the beginning of the day. The Court, however, noted that dividing the cause list may not be easy, particularly since fresh matters are listed every day following requests from the Bar.
Justice Nagaprasanna said the Court was willing to consider practical steps after consulting the court officer. Responding to the concern over interns occupying seats, the Court remarked, “They can't occupy the chairs.” The Bench also proposed restricting the entry of parties appearing for settlements until 4 pm, observing that such a measure could substantially reduce the crowd inside the courtroom.
At the same time, Justice Nagaprasanna pointed out that the present listing arrangement had emerged after advocates sought daily hearing of fresh matters, which had increased the number of cases and attendees in the courtroom. Assuring the Bar that the issue would be examined, the Court said it would attempt to find a solution in the coming days.
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