Ceiling fan falls on judge during hearing in Indore district court

INDORE: Panic gripped Indore district court on Monday when a running ceiling fan fell on a woman judge in her courtroom. The freak accident left the judge injured.

The accident occurred in the court of Additional District Sessions Judge while proceedings were in full swing. According to eyewitnesses, a loud sound was heard just seconds before the heavy fan crashed onto the judge's seat.

"The fan fell on her, causing injuries to her head and shoulder. The court campus doctor provided initial treatment, and after she rested for a while, her family members arrived and took her home," district court bar association president LL Yadav said.

Officials said that the injuries were not serious though the impact caused significant distress and a temporary halt in proceedings in the court.

The incident led to criticism from advocates who have long complained about the crumbling infrastructure of the old court complex. Angry lawyers gathered at the spot, pointing out that seepage, weak ceilings, and outdated electrical fittings have turned courtrooms into ‘death traps.'

"This neglected state of the building is posing a danger to thousands of people, including judges, advocates, and visitors," said advocate Vinod Dwivedi. The Bar Association highlighted that despite repeated complaints about the hazardous conditions, maintenance has been subpar, leading to Monday's near-catastrophic event.

Official sources said that the construction of new district court building near Pipliyahana pond is still under progress. It is estimated to take another 15 to 18 months before the modern facility—equipped with advanced amenities—is ready for occupancy.

Until then, the legal fraternity has demanded an immediate safety audit of all existing courtrooms and the replacement of ageing electrical appliances to prevent a repeat of such an incident.