Litigants were badly affected as advocates stayed away from court proceedings at the Combined Court Complex in Vellore since August 5, demanding permanent canteen facilities.

Unaware of the boycott of courts by law practitioners, several litigants visited the court complex in Vellore town. Cases that came up for hearing in these courts were adjourned. “We travel long distances to attend court proceedings. We have skipped work many times to ensure that we are able to come to the court when the cases are listed. Such boycott affects poor litigants,” said V. Ramu, a litigant.

Every day, on an average, more than 3,000 litigants visit the court complex in Vellore. The complex comprises 15 courts that handle civil and criminal cases. Around 600 advocates are working as regular practitioners in each of these courts. On an average, over 300-400 cases come up at courts every day. Currently, 1,500-2,000 cases are pending before each court in these districts.

Court officials said that the District Court had a full-fledged canteen facility for more than two decades before it was closed by the Public Works Department (PWD), which maintains the court, before the COVID-19 pandemic. The PWD had cited that it plans to run the facility with modern facilities. However, the old canteen remained locked.

Court officials said that since then, advocates, court staff, litigants have to walk at least 500 metres to have food at roadside eateries. As court proceedings take longer hours, a refreshment kiosk inside the premises will help litigants and staff to take a small break and attend court proceedings on time. “Going away from court premises for refreshments will delay court proceedings. In fact, cases that are listed for hearing will be adjourned to a later date due to such delays,” said a court official.

Court officials said that members of the Bar Association gave a petition to M. Elavarasan, Principal District Judge, Vellore, requesting him to take necessary steps to set up a full-fledged canteen in the premises.

Published - August 09, 2026 05:30 am IST