Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Jun 16: The district Bar Association has informed that it will organize a protest programme in the city, demanding the release of funds for completing the court complex works in the city at the earliest.

Bar Association president S P Changappa informed at a press conference held here on Monday June 15, that the third phase of the court complex work had been held up, as the government has failed to release Rs 18.25 crore as required. The assurances given by the Chief Minister and other ministers have not been kept, he explained.

"The court complex work which begun on May 25, 2006, has made considerable progress, with majority of the basement and ground floor works having been completed. Several rooms have also been built. The third phase of works was to begin, but the government has failed to release money to the contractors as agreed upon. Therefore, the work has been affected," Chengappa said.

After the court complex works were taken up, some of the sections of the court had been shifted to the City Corporation building. As several rooms have been completed in the second phase of the new building, these sections should be relocated in the new building. This will enable the lawyers to function in a single place. As several courts are located in the Corporation, the lawyers at present, are faced with the need to run from one building to another, he explained.

"The protest will be organized in front of the City Corporation at 12 pm on Wednesday June 17. Hundreds of advocates from all over the city will take part in it," Changappa informed.