PCMC suggests Akurdi complex for setting up JMFC courts

PUNE: The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has expressed its willingness to give on rent the Pandurangbuva Kalbhor commercial complex and multipurpose hall at Akurdi to the district court authorities to set up judicial magistrate first class (JMFC) courts.
The state government has approved 12 JMFC courts for the Pimpri-Chinchwad township, which has a population of 15 lakh.However, only six JMFCs operate from the court building in Morwadi, Pimpri, which was given by the PCMC on rent.
Municipal commissioner Ashish Sharma told TOI on Monday that the administration was ready to give the Akurdi complex on rent and the district court has to take a final decision on it.
The Pimpri-Chinchwad Advocates and Bar Association has been trying to find suitable land for setting up the courts.
On Sunday, J.N. Patel, senior administrative judge, Bombay High Court, inspected the Pandurangbuva Kalbhor complex. V.C. Daga, judge, Bombay High Court, and P.B. Bora, joint district and sessions justice, Pune, accompanied Patel. Sharma briefed them about the details of the complex.
"The total area of the Akurdi land is 7,000 sq.m and the constructed area is 2,300 sq.m. The public works department architects will prepare the plan for the courts. The interiors and furniture has to be done by the court authorities. The PCMC would charge rent as per the government rules," said Sharma.
The Pimpri court lacks many facilities such as library, record room and waiting rooms for men and women.
Sudhir Bhajipale, JMFC, Pranav Gupta, Sangeeta Jadhav, Subhash Machare, special officer, PCMC and others were present on the occasion.