Gaya: Uncertainty over relocation of the Gaya district court continues as a site is yet to be selected. Gaya DM Shashank Shubhankar said the Patna high court would take the final decision. Officials favour land near the Bipard premises on the Gaya-Rajgir highway.The search for land began several months ago. About 25 acres are required for the new premises, which will house the principal district judge, nearly a dozen other judicial officers of district judge rank, judicial magistrates, including the chief judicial magistrate, administrative buildings and facilities for lawyers and litigants.The existing court building, located in the city centre, is more than 120 years old and in poor condition. It cannot meet the demands of rising litigation, a growing number of lawyers and higher footfall.Its location is considered a cause of traffic jams. A senior district court lawyer said several courts lacked adequate space for witness boxes and seating for lawyers and litigants.Earlier, district officials and bar association office-bearers inspected sites south of Magadh University, near BIPARD and along the Gaya-Tekari road.The District Bar Association is opposed to relocation. Its president, Syed Qaiser Sharfuddin, said a multi-storey court building at the premises should be explored. He said unused land west of the court, belonging to the Zila Parishad, could also be transferred.The uncertainty has also stalled construction of the bar building. The govt had sanctioned Rs 80 lakh, but officials feel new infrastructure at the premises could become redundant if the court is relocated.
