NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday strongly criticized the Delhi government for its lackadaisical approach towards allocating funds for the infrastructure development of the Delhi High Court and district judiciary.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, heading the bench, instructed the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court to organize a meeting on the matter the following day.
Expressing dismay, the bench, including Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, 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."
At the start of the proceedings, 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 currently serving in the city's district judiciary, whereas the sanctioned strength was 887. A shortage of 118 courtrooms and residential quarters for judicial officers was also noted.
"We find no reason or justification for the lackadaisical approach of GNCTD in meeting the demands of the Delhi district judiciary. We accordingly direct the Chief Justice of Delhi High Court to convene a meeting tomorrow," declared the bench.
(With agency inputs)
