"Just Like You Have Central Vista" : Supreme Court Says Plea For "Judicial Vista" Is Logical; Seeks Centre's Stand

The Supreme Court on Monday sought the stand of the Union Government on a petition filed by a lawyer seeking directions for the construction of a "Judicial Vista" near the Supreme Court for better working conditions and the setting up of an independent authority to deal with judicial infrastructure in the country.

"It is a matter in which normally we wouldn't be inclined to pass directions but we'd definitely like the Union of India to consider this and take a decision", a bench comprising Justices Vineet Saran and JK Maheshwari orally observed.

The petition filed by Advocate Ardhendumauli Kumar Prasad sought for the construction of a "Judicial Vista" at the land adjoining the Supreme Court saying that the present court premises are overcrowded and facilities are insufficient to cater to the needs of increasing number of lawyers, staff and litigants.

The bench observed that the demand for judicial vista is "logical and correct"

"It is a logical and correct thing that there should be judicial vista in a planned manner. The growth of buildings and all are unplanned, something's coming up here something's coming up there. Just like you have Central Vista, you should have a....", Justice Vineet Saran said.

Advocate Ardhendumauli Kumar Prasad, appearing in person, urged the bench to see "how lawyers are standing outside".

"We quite see", Justice Saran said. The bench posted the matter for tomorrow seeking for the presence of the Solicitor General of India.

"We're not asking or making directions that do this or that, we just want to know stand of the Union of India. Let SG be here... List tomorrow on top of the board, we just need a statement. Ask him to inform what is the stand", the bench told the counsel representing the Union Government.

As regards the second prayer in the petition seeking directions to constitute an independent authority for judicial infrastructure, the bench said : "It is not for courts to have everything in their hands. We've to do judicial work, but to do judicial work we must have proper establishment...".

The petitioner mentioned that the Law Minister has sent proposal to all state governments for their views regarding a central infrastructural committee headed by CJI.

Senior Advocate V Giri, appearing for the Supreme Court, sought time to get instructions.

The matter will be considered tomorrow.

It has been argued in the petition that the infrastructure that is available at the Supreme Court is disproportionate to the growth of the court in terms of number of Judges, the Registry, the bar and most importantly the volume of cases.

The plea also states that as per the details available on the website of the Ministry of Law and Justice, while there is sanctioned strength of 24291 Judicial officers in the country, there are only 20115 Court Halls available, only 17705 residential units for the Judges of Subordinate Judiciary.

Prasad, who happens to be incumbent SCBA Secretary, stated that Judicial Vista would ensure meeting the needs of the Court, Registry, Bar and the Litigants since it would result in construction of large Multi Level Complex having Court Rooms, around 50,000 chambers for Senior Advocates, AOR's, substantial space for various Officers of Sections and Staff f the Registry, adequate medical facilities etc

Case Title: Ardhendumauli Kumar Prasad v. The Supreme Court Of India & Ors| WP (Civil) 1245 of 2021

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