This time the Supreme Court has reprimanded the Delhi government for not providing funds to the Delhi High Court.
Besides, Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud has also raised questions as to why the government is not releasing funds.
The Apex Court has directed the government to release funds by Thursday. Even before this, there have been reports of court-related projects getting stuck due to lack of funds.
Apart from CJI Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Mishra were also included in the bench. The court said, ‘What is happening? What is your government doing? You do not want to give any funds to Delhi High Court? You have to pay the money by Thursday…. This is a model High Court and look at its condition. The training of judges is going on and there are not even courtrooms. The court said, ‘We are listing it for Thursday.’
The CJI observed that three out of four projects were approved in March 2021 itself, but funds have not been released yet. The Supreme Court says that the status report of the High Court till December 5 indicates the sanctioned strength of 887 judicial officers, 15 fast track special courts and 813 officers. Now this approved number requires 118 courtrooms. Also, 114 more courtrooms are needed.
The court said that the delay in giving funds is sad. Also said that the lax attitude of Delhi Government towards Delhi District Judiciary is also not right.
The apex court has directed the acting Chief Justice of Delhi High Court and the state government to hold a meeting. The court says that a way to overcome the shortcomings in the district judiciary should be found through a meeting.
Delhi High Court has also raised questions
Delhi High Court has also raised the issue of shortage of funds in November. Then ACJ Manmohan had said, ‘100 magistrates will be ready by next year and we do not have space to appoint them. We do not have the space or funds for new courts.
There is not an inch of space in any district court. Delhi government is neither giving money nor space. We are trying hard, but they are not releasing funds.