SC Raps Delhi Govt’s Funding Lapse for Judicial Infrastructure

The Supreme Court has criticized the Delhi government for its lackadaisical approach in providing funds for infrastructure development to the Delhi High Court and district judiciary.

A bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, has asked Justice Manmohan, the Acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court to organize a meeting on this matter today.

Expressing concern, the bench questioned the government’s stance, stating, “What is happening? What is your government doing? You don’t want to give any funds to the Delhi High Court? We need approval by Thursday. It is a model High Court, and look at the condition. Judges are undergoing training, and there are no courtrooms.”

Initially, senior advocate Shyam Divan highlighted the challenges faced by prosecutors and judges due to insufficient facilities in the high court. The Supreme Court observed that 813 judicial officers were serving in the city’s district judiciary, whereas the sanctioned strength is 887. Additionally, there is a shortage of 118 courtrooms and residential quarters for judicial officers.

“We find no reason or justification for the lackadaisical approach of GNCTD in meeting demands of Delhi district judiciary. We accordingly direct the Chief Justice of Delhi High Court to convene a meeting tomorrow,” stated the bench.