Kurseong lawyers stop work

VIVEK CHHETRI, TT, 23 Oct 2019, Darjeeling: The Kurseong Bar Association has started an indefinite cease work, which has also affected work in Mirik court, seeking immediately redress of their demands that include "non-functioning" of some courts for the past six months.

Ramesh Agarwal, secretary of the Kurseong Bar Association, said not just lawyers but also litigants and the general public had been facing problems for long.

"The courts of civil judge (junior division) and judicial magistrate (1st class) have been non-functional for the past six months," said Agarwal.

The association also alleged that the non-availability of non-judicial stamps, court fees and other allied legal accessories either within the precincts of courts or nearby areas were forcing people to travel as far as Siliguri and Darjeeling.

"This problem has not been solved for years altogether. Imagine travelling to Siliguri or Darjeeling just for nonjudicial stamps," said Agarwal said.

The lawyers complained that "delay in attestation of affidavits by executive magistrates" were creating inconvenience to the general public. "There have been instances when it has taken more than a year to obtain certificates," said Agarawal.

Demands have also been raised for proper infrastructure facility in the courts of additional district and session judge-cum-special judge.

The Kurseong lawyers had observed a two-day cease work last Friday and Saturday.