Hakeem says no move to relocate Courts

Saturday, 4 February 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Justice Minister Rauff Hakeem yesterday assured lawyers that there were no plans to relocate the Colombo Courts out of Hulftsdorp or to sell the historic court complex as alleged.

This was disclosed by the Minister during a meeting with lawyers from the Colombo Magistrate Court protesting under the assumption the Colombo Magistrate Courts complex would be relocated.

“He (the Minister) assured them that there are no plans by the Ministry of Justice to relocate the Colombo Courts out of Hulftsdorp or to sell the historic Court complex as alleged by them (lawyers),” a statement from the Ministry said.

Hakeem had informed lawyers that there was a proposal to construct a new state-of-the-art building in Hulftsdorp to accommodate several Government institutions relating to the administration of justice since the efficient administration of justice is hampered by the severe lack of space in the present premises.

The Minister had also assured lawyers that he would take steps to appoint a committee headed by a Judge of the Supreme Court nominated by the Chief Justice, the President of the Bar Association and a nominee of the Minister to consider issues raised by different regional Bar Associations regarding the newly-created jurisdictions that were gazetted.