Strict action against public servants earning income through unfair means

Bhopal: Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that Madhya Pradesh is the first state in the country where effective action is being taken against public servants earning income through unfair means. For this, freehand has been given to the Lokayukta. He said that a law has been formulated in the state to confiscate disproportionate assets amassed illegally. The Chief Minister stated this while speaking at a symposium on “Role of advocates in changing scenario” organised by State Bar Council at Jabalpur today. The symposium was presided over by High Court Chief Justice Shri Sharad Arvind Bobde. At the symposium, subsidy worth Rs.12 thousand each was given away to 33 new advocates to start their legal practice. So far, this subsidy has been provided to 498 advocates under the scheme. Justice Shri Ajit Singh, Advocate General Shri R.D. Jain, senior officers of judicial services and large number of advocates were present on the occasion.

Shri Chouhan said that e-tendering system has been introduced in the state to put a check on corruption in the state. Public Service Delivery Guarantee Act is being implemented to dispose of people’s works speedly. Other states have also followed footsteps of Madhya Pradesh by adopting this Act. Shri Chouhan desired from advocates not to plead cases of public servants who have amassed assets through unfair means.
The Chief Minister said that elections of Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha should be held simultaneously once in five years. The existing electoral system is costly and gives rise to irregularities. The Chief Minister said that there should be state funding for elections.
The Chief Minister said that effective action is being taken in Madhya Pradesh in cases of crimes against women. But it is matter of concern that court decisions in case of crimes against women are coming late as a result women hesitate to lodge complaints against atrocities on them. Shri Chouhan said that it is the responsibility of advocates to ensure that law becomes helpful in creating a safe environment for safeguarding women’s dignity. Expressing gratitude to the Chief Justice, Shri Chouhan said that due to promptness shown by courts, decisions are coming at a rapid pace in cases of crimes against women deterring criminals.
e-court system to be started
Chief Justice Shri Sharad Arvind Bobde said that e-court system is being introduced with a view to reducing paper work in courts. He said that advocates’ role is vital in early court decisions in cases of crimes against women. Shri Bobde informed that 9 women’s courts have been set up for quick disposal of cases of crimes against women. These courts have been entrusted responsibility to decide cases of attack on women’s dignity within 60 days. Shri Bobde recalled role of advocates in India’s freedom movement. He said that advocates carry the responsibility of establishing rule of truth. Shri Bobde said that advocates are a force through which power undermining the country can be defeated.