Supreme Court Pulls Up Delhi Govt For 'Lackadaisical Approach' In Disbursing Funds To Delhi Judiciary

On Monday, the Supreme Court expressed strong dismay over the delay by the Delhi Government in approving funds for infrastructure projects in the Delhi High Court (HC). The bench comprising CJI DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra directed for a meeting to be convened by the Chief Justice of Delhi High Court and attended by the Chief Secretary of Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD), Secretary in charge of PWD (Public Works Department), Principal Secretary (Law), and Principal Secretary (Finance) tomorrow (12.12.2023). The purpose of the meeting is to expedite the necessary clearances and approvals to address the pressing issues faced by the Delhi HC in terms of infrastructural requirements.

At the outset, Senior Advocate Shyam Divan highlighted the urgency of the matter, pointing out that the HC required 200 courtrooms within a year, and prosecutors and judges were facing significant challenges due to inadequate facilities. He said–

"It requires 200 courtrooms in one year...prosecutors and judges are waiting in queues because there is no place! This is unacceptable for a plan which was placed in 2021."

The CJI emphasized the critical status of the situation, stating that the Delhi HC, touted as a model HC in the country, had been grappling with a shortage of courtrooms, hindering the justice system's efficiency. Adding that it was "a matter of regret that the plans are still pending approval for the grant of funds", he said–

"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 HC in country. And look at the position."

The CJI took note of the fact that three out of four proposed projects (District Centre Shastri park, Karkardooma Complex, Sector 26 Rohini, Rouse Avenue Complex) had already received approval, but funds remained pending. 

The status report filed by the Delhi HC revealed that there was a sanctioned strength of 887 judicial officers, with a working strength of 813 judicial officers in Delhi District judiciary. However, there was a shortage of 118 court rooms. Additionally, there was also a severe shortage of residential accommodations for the judicial officers.

The Chief Justice attributed the delays to lackadaisical approach by the GNCTD in meeting the demands of the Delhi district judiciary. The CJI said–

"We find no reason or justification for 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." 

The court has now directed a meeting to address the issues and ensure that necessary steps are taken promptly. The court added–

"Fresh stock shall be taken on steps to be taken by the government to ensure that steps are complied with. We will now take these proceedings on Thursday on which date GNCTD shall apprise this court of sanctions approved."

Case Title: All India Judges Association v Union Of India And Ors. W.P.(C) No. 643/2015

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