MUMBAI: In a significant move aimed at ensuring swift, accessible, and transparent justice for citizens across the state, the Maharashtra government has taken a major decision. Under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the state cabinet meeting granted formal approval for the establishment of new courts in various parts of the state, backed by multi-million-rupee financial allocations. This landmark decision is set to provide profound relief to citizens in districts including Pune, Ahilyanagar, and Solapur, while addressing long-pending judicial demands.
With rising concerns over drug and narcotic-related offenses under the NDPS Act affecting the younger generation, a dedicated special court is set to be established in Pune to ensure speedy and impartial hearings. Currently, approximately 30,000 cases under the NDPS Act are pending statewide, with Pune alone accounting for 1,425 lingering trials. To expedite the disposal of these mounting cases, the High Court had recommended setting up a specialized court in Pune. This new court has been sanctioned with 8 newly created positions and an expenditure of INR 1 crore 26 lakh 35 thousand. Operating out of Court Room No. 22 at the Pune District Court, this initiative will significantly bolster the legal framework against anti-narcotics enforcement.
Residents across both the Karjat and Jamkhed talukas of Ahilyanagar district previously had to endure long journeys to district headquarters for judicial proceedings. To eliminate this major inconvenience, the cabinet has resolved to establish a new District and Additional Sessions Court in Karjat. To ensure smooth operations, 22 regular positions—including judicial officers—have been sanctioned alongside a substantial funding allocation of INR 3.30 crore. This project will save citizens across both talukas valuable time, money, and effort, making local access to justice a reality.
Addressing local population growth and commercial development, a Civil Court (Junior Division) and a Judicial Magistrate First Class court are to be established in Kurduwadi and surrounding areas within Madha taluka of Solapur district. This newly sanctioned court involves 12 designated positions and an estimated cost of INR 1 crore 18 lakh 74 thousand. Localized hearings for civil and criminal suits will bring immense relief to the residents of Solapur district.
Furthermore, to guarantee prompt trials for cases registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the establishment of Exclusive Special Courts has been approved across five key districts. These specialized courts will become fully operational in Ahilyanagar, Parbhani, Solapur, Nanded, and Yavatmal, ensuring that victims of atrocities receive immediate and effective justice.
Statewide, this multi-faceted cabinet decision is poised to substantially strengthen Maharashtra’s judicial infrastructure, ensuring that the wheels of justice turn smoothly and swiftly right down to the grassroots leve
