The NS Bar Committee paid a courtesy call on the new Pengarah, Hakim Kanan, Puan Kanageswari a/P Nalliah, Mahkamah Sesyen I Seremban.
The meeting commenced at 2.00pm in the afternoon and all the Sessions court judges were present except for Puan Norina, who had a pressing matter. Pengarah welcomed the delegation from the Negeri Sembilan Bar Committee led by our Chairman, Mr Karthigesan Shanmugam, who introduced the committee members. As this court is not new to the Pengarah, the whole meeting was a success.
Pengarah was delighted that old cases are being settled, with the backlogs being just 2024 files.
The court’s concerns were primarily aging files as well as YBGK files. The current issues were well explained by our Chairman, who clarified that Legal Aid is not a right since there is a Means Test requirement by applicants.
The possibility of a location for YBGK lawyers to be stationed at the court premises where the family members of the Accused could approach was suggested, but Pengarah said that space constraints are a real problem.
Other issues put forward by the Chairman are the issue of the court demanding a Medical Certificate from only Government hospitals, which is not practical, as lawyers are always working under time constraints. Chairman also stressed the point that we cannot send in substitute lawyers to do trials for us when we are sick because clients demand that we personally conduct trials for them. So the court has to allow postponements when the lawyers are unwell and not to insist on other lawyers to handle the files in our absence.
Overall, the meetings were fruitful, with the court better understanding of the hurdles faced by lawyers and our willingness to cooperate with the court system.
A Krishnaveni
Court Liason Committee Chairperson
