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Synopsis

The Supreme Court has pulled up the Delhi government over its failure to grant approval of funds to the sum of over Rs 1200 Crores for four projects related to constructions of 255 courtrooms for district courts in the national capital region.

"Plans were approved for three of the four projects (District Centre, Shastri Park; Karkardooma Complex; and Sector 26 Rohini) on 25 March 2021, while for the Rouse Avenue establishments, plans were approved on 26 September 2019. It is a matter of regret that these plans are still pending approval for the grant of funds," a CJI DY Chandrachud led bench has said.

The bench also comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra has noted that at present, there is a shortage of 188 court rooms in relation to the sanctioned strength and of 114 court rooms in relation to the working strength. 

There is also an acute shortage of residential units: 539 in relation to the sanctioned strength and 465 in relation to the remaining strength, the court recorded.

"We find no reason for the Government of NCTD to keep proposals pending for such an inordinate long period of time. The consequence of this is that there is an acute shortage of court rooms. In addition, with new recruits coming into the service in the foreseeable future, there will be a further deficiency and a serious dearth of judicial infrastructure," the bench said while directing that the situation be remedied at the earliest. 

Furthermore, the Acting Chief Justice of the High Court of Delhi has been asked to hold a meeting today with Chief Secretary, GNCTD; Principal Secretary (Law); Principal Secretary (Finance); and Secretary, in-charge of PWD.

"A fresh stock shall be taken at the meeting of the steps which need to be taken by the Government of NCTD to ensure that all the legitimate demands of the High Court are duly sanctioned," the order adds.

The bench fixed the matter for consideration on December 14.

Senior Advocate Wasim Quadri, appearing on behalf of GNCTD, has been asked to apprise the court of the sanctions, issued in the meantime and steps taken for release of funds for pending projects.

"We expect that this shall be complied with at the earliest and the Court shall be duly apprised of the decisions which have been taken and the sanctions which have been issued in the meantime," the bench said.

This issue was taken up while hearing a case related to appointment and infrastructure in district courts.

Case Title: MALIK MAZHAR SULTAN & ANR. vs. U.P. PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION THROUGH ITS SECRETARY & ORS.