Rationalism takes a back seat in Mysore law court

MYSURU: Rationalism seems to have taken a back seat in the administration of Mysore law courts with the administrators deciding to close the second additional sessions judge’s court hall. Reason seems to lack logic and rationale.
Since May 2014, the second additional sessions judge’s court hall located right at the entrance of the court premises has remained closed and is being used as a dump room for the broken chairs, tables and other materials.Many court goers who have fond memories of this hall where many sensational and important cases were tried are groping in the dark to know the reason for its closure as this heritage building is in good condition and even the district sessions judge’s hall exists right above this closed hall.
What made the things to take a curious turn was the death of a judge in an accident who worked at this court hall. Since his death in May 2014, the court has remained closed for the silly reason that his ghost is moving around and has made this hall its abode. This rumour got wings and fortified when the court authorities failed to re-open the hall and post a judge there. According to sources an astrologer close to the court authorities have suggested the administration to don’t open the hall for business till special poojas were performed. Senior lawyers to whom TOI spoke expressed their shock and wondered why the court has been kept closed. “I don’t know why the court hall has been kept closed, rumours are doing rounds, but I don’t know the exact reason for its closure," Medappa a senior lawyer said.
Meanwhile more than 90 lawyers of the Mysore bar association in a press statement have condemned the spread of such rumors and sought an inquiry into the issue on who and how such rumour took wings and is being spread.
“We had high regards for the judge who functioned here and died in a road accident, it is an effort of some individuals to bring disrepute to deceased judge’s name" they said , urging the court administration to say end to such mischievous elements free run. "We demand the district sessions judge and Mysore bar association to take action against the elements which are spreading such rumour” they added.
Talking to TOI a senior lawyer and Law Guide journal editior H S Venkatesh said the deceased judge was a man of integrity and highly reputed and now linking rumors to his name will harm the lawyers and judges community besides making them a laughing stock in the society.
When contacted Mysore district court administrator T C Nagaraju refused to comment on the issue and closure of the court hall. “I am not the authority to comment on the issue of closure of the hall or the reasons for its closure” he said refusing to comment anything on the issue.