Land grab cases: HC to set up 25 special courts

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has decided to create 25 special courts, in a phased manner, in Tamil Nadu accepting the reasons given by ruling AIADMK government to justify the creation of such courts in view of the 'huge' number of complaints of land grabbing received throughout the state.In a press release today, the Registrar General's office said the High Court's Administrative Committee, headed by the Chief Justice, has accepted the reasons justifying the constitution of the special courts and decided to create such special courts in a phased manner.Initially special courts would be constituted in Tirunelveli, Krishnagiri, Salem, Erode and Tirupur where more number of cases had been filed, it said.Justifying the need for the special courts, the government had stated that a large number of complaints of land grabbng had been received throughout the state and the number of cases, ready for trial, 'is also increasing and therefore, there is a necessity for immediate constitution of the special courts.'On the government's request for constitution of 25 courts, the Madras High Court had wanted a corresponding increase in the cadre strength of Judicial Officers, in the rank of civil judge (junior division) and also the requisite infrastructure.The government has accepted the High Court's requirements and had issued orders in this regard, the press note said.Many DMK leaders, including some former Ministers, have been arrested in connection with alleged land grabbing cases.