Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 19 Nov: The Congress Party has extended its support to the ongoing protest by lawyers opposing the construction of a night shelter (Rain Basera) within the old court premises in Dehradun. State Congress President Ganesh Godiyal today visited the protest site and addressed the lawyers where he expressed a strong disapproval of the government’s decision to establish a night shelter in the heart of the judicial campus. It may be recalled that following the government decision in this regard, the lawyers are on strike in the courts demanding the construction of chambers for the practicing lawyers in place of the night shelter in the old court compound in Dehradun.
Godiyal noted that it is deeply ironic and unfortunate that the government, along with Central agencies, could identify no other location in the entire city of Dehradun except the space situated between two court complexes for such a facility. He questioned the rationale behind the move, stating that it reflected a serious lack of foresight on the part of the administration. Emphasising the long-term implications, he said that the age of a state is not twenty or thirty years but thousands of years, and when the new generation steps into the justice system, they must have adequate space and infrastructure to function effectively.
The PCC Chief further asserted that while a night shelter could be constructed at any suitable location, lawyers’ chambers could not be shifted two kilometres away from the court premises. He urged the government to reconsider its decision in the interest of judicial functioning and the legal fraternity. Godiyal also reminded the authorities that the lawyers protesting today, along with their predecessors, had played a pivotal role in the Uttarakhand statehood movement and had made significant sacrifices for the creation of the state.
He reiterated that the government must acknowledge this contribution and ensure that the dignity and functional needs of the legal community are respected. The Congress Party, he affirmed, stands firmly with the advocates in their demand for the preservation of the court complex’s sanctity and utility.
