T.Ashok Kumar v. The Government Of Union Territory Of Puducherry

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 21.02.2024 CORAM :

THE HON'BLE MR.SANJAY V.GANGAPURWALA, CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY T.Ashok Kumar .. Petitioner vs 1.The Government of Union Territory of Puducherry, rep. by its Chief Secretary, Goubert Avenue, Puducherry-605 001.

2.The Secretary to Government, Law Department, Government of Puducherry, Goubert Avenue, Puducherry-605 001.

3.The Registrar General, High Court, Madras.

.. Respondents Prayer : Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking issuance of a writ of mandamus directing the first respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 8.8.2023.

For the Petitioner : Ms.Gopika Nambiar For the Respondents : Mr.Raveekumar Govt. Pleader (Puducherry) for respondents 1 and 2

ORDER

(Order of the court was made by the Hon'ble Chief Justice) We have heard Ms.Gopika Nambiar, learned counsel for the petitioner; and, Mr.Raveekumar, learned Government Pleader (Puducherry) for respondents 1 and 2.

2. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that there are Courts of District Munsif and Subordinate Judge at Mahe. Though Camp Court is held which is presided by an Additional District Judge at Mahe, the same is irregular and cannot be a substitute for the regular Court. There are 68 cases pending.

3. Learned counsel for the petitioner further submits that the petitioner, a practising advocate in Mahe, has submitted a representation. The geographical location also is to be considered, as

Mahe is situated at a distance of 640 kilometers from Puducherry.

4. The representation of the petitioner will have to be considered on the administrative side. The representation is already filed. The same would be considered on the administrative side of this Court. In the era of virtual hearing, distance would not be an impediment. We have already mandated hearing of cases through Hybrid VC mode for the District Judiciary from 5.2.2024.

5. In case appropriate mechanism is not carved out, then the petitioner may agitate.

6. With the aforesaid observation, the writ petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.

(S.V.G., CJ.) (D.B.C., J.) 21.02.2024 Index :

Yes/No :

Yes/No bbr

To 1.The Chief Secretary, Government of Union Territory of Puducherry, Goubert Avenue, Puducherry-605 001.

2.The Secretary to Government, Law Department, Government of Puducherry, Goubert Avenue, Puducherry-605 001.

3.The Registrar General, High Court, Madras.

THE HON'BLE CHIEF JUSTICE AND D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY,J.

bbr 21.02.2024