Chief Justice Agrawal dismissed SDBA’s proposal for a new Surat court building at Bhimpore, urging either acceptance of Jiyav Bhudiya or a clear opposition resolution. A crucial meeting with SDBA, district officials, and public works aimed to finalize the site amid logistical and environmental considerations.
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SURAT: Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court, Sunita Agrawal, dismissed the Surat District Bar Association’s (SDBA) proposal to construct a new court building at Bhimpore in Surat. On Saturday, Chief Justice Agrawal instructed the SDBA to either allow the new building to be constructed at Jiyav Bhudiya on the outskirts of the city or pass a resolution explicitly stating their opposition to the location.
During a crucial meeting held with SDBA members, district collectorate, and public works department officials, Chief Justice Agrawal addressed the proposed new court building at Jiyav Bhudiya village. This meeting was pivotal in determining the future site of the court building, reflecting the judiciary’s commitment to resolving logistical and environmental concerns.
SDBA president Uday Patel provided detailed insights into the association’s stance, highlighting significant environmental concerns.
Patel stated-
“We presented our case to the Chief Justice, highlighting that the government land at Jiyav Bhudiya is situated within both hazardous and buffer zones. The vicinity includes a chemical waste dumping site and numerous chemical factories and textile mills within a 1-kilometer radius of the plot.”
Patel’s statement underscores the association’s concerns about the proposed site’s proximity to industrial hazards. He emphasized that, according to Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) norms, no construction should be permitted within 500 square meters of a hazardous zone.
“The government land is located within a 300-square-meter buffer and hazardous zone.”
– Patel highlighted, stressing the potential risks associated with the location.
The Chief Justice has taken these concerns seriously, requesting detailed reports from the GPCB and the district collector to address the issues raised by the SDBA.
“The Chief Justice has requested details from GPCB and the district collector regarding the concerns we raised.”
– Patel added, indicating a responsive and thorough approach by the judiciary to ensure the safety and suitability of the court’s new location.
The SDBA’s proposal for the court building at Bhimpore has been a subject of extensive debate due to its environmental implications. The association’s concerns about hazardous waste and industrial activity near Jiyav Bhudiya bring to light the critical importance of adhering to environmental safety norms when selecting sites for public infrastructure.
Chief Justice Agrawal’s decision reflects the judiciary’s balanced consideration of environmental safety and logistical feasibility. The request for further details from GPCB and district authorities demonstrates a commitment to making informed decisions based on comprehensive data and community concerns.
In a recent meeting, the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court addressed the ongoing dispute over the location of the new court building for the Surat District Bar Association (SDBA). The meeting highlighted the growing concerns and objections raised by the lawyers regarding the proposed site at Jiyav Budhiya.
The Chief Justice inquired-
“The Chief Justice inquired whether we would consider relocating to the new building proposed at Jiyav Budhiya if our concerns were addressed. Upon the lawyers’ refusal during the meeting, she pointed out that the Bhimpore site lacks residential areas, connectivity, and essential facilities necessary for a court building. Therefore, she emphasized that such a location is unsuitable for the proposed new court building.”
Patel, an SDBA representative, explained the lawyers’ stance during the meeting.
He said-
“She subsequently stated that Jiyav Budhiya is the only remaining option. Upon our reluctance to relocate there, she instructed the lawyers to draft a resolution explicitly stating their opposition to the Jiyav Budhiya village site, allowing the land to be considered for alternative uses.”
This revelation came after the lawyers discussed alternative government plots within the city for the new court complex. However, the Chief Justice pointed out that these plots might be embroiled in legal battles and might not meet the necessary criteria for a court complex.
“She then asserted that Jiyav Budhiya is the sole remaining option. Upon our refusal to relocate there, she instructed the lawyers to draft a resolution explicitly stating their objection to the Jiyav Budhiya village site, thereby allowing the land to be considered for other purposes.”
– Patel reiterated.
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The SDBA is preparing for a pivotal meeting scheduled for today (June 25) with all its members to discuss future actions. According to Ashwin Shah, the vice president of SDBA, the meeting will gather suggestions on the association’s next steps.
