Despite the announcement of the start of regular services, the court is still operating amidst problems ranging from courtrooms to computers and furniture.
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The Chitwan District Court, which was damaged by arson by protesters on Bhadra 24, resumed partial services a week later on Bhadra 30. Despite the announcement of regular services, the court faces numerous problems.
The court is working amidst problems ranging from the courtroom to computers and furniture. Even the case files and documents have been destroyed due to the arson.
‘There were 670 files related to the ongoing case when the arson occurred. A notice has been issued to the petitioners of those files to come in touch within 30 days. We have said that the regular service of the court has started from Kartik 11,’ said the court’s information officer Amrit Bishwakarma.
There are eight sections in the court. Out of these, some files from sections 5, 6 and 7 have been saved. There were eight benches in the Chitwan court. Currently, work is being done by preparing five benches, four of which are in working condition and one in the hut.
Due to the arson committed by the protesters, an estimated Rs 64.9 million worth of damage has been caused to the court building, furniture, computers and vehicles, according to the information officer Bishwakarma. ‘Even though the service has started, there are many problems. Work has started amidst inconveniences like furniture and computers,’ he said. The court initially had 57 computers, 31 printers and 14 scanners. During the arson attack, almost all the computers, printers and scanners were burnt down and rendered unusable.
Information Officer Amrit Vishwakarma said that the court is currently operating with 13 computers, three printers and one scanner. New case registration and other processes have started. But the office is in a risky condition. Not all the windows and doors can be closed properly.
Police and court staff have also been working in the court for security. ‘The courts have been renovated and painted. Many things are like they are working. The electrical wiring has not been repaired. We have procured computers and printers, even though they are few. But there is no generator or other power backup that can work in case of power outage. The furniture is also in working order,' said Information Officer Bishwakarma.
After the arson, the court first started processing habeas corpus petitions, extending the time limit, issuing urgent arrest warrants and CDR services from Bhadra 30. Then, some more services started from Asoj 23 and Asoj 26. There is a notice from the court that regular services have started from Kartik 11. But there is no possibility of starting services at the previous speed.
Earlier, at least one hearing was held in each of the eight benches. Now, not even two or four hearings have been held in a day. For security in the court, there is a police force under the command of a Deputy Inspector of Police (SI). Bishwakarma said that the court has also deployed employees for supervision at night.
