Shortage Of Judge's Accommodation: Punjab & Haryana HC Summons Chief Secy's, Says Issue Affects Administration Of Justice

Observing that the acute shortage of accommodation for judicial officers is adversely affecting the quality of administration of justice especially, when the new batch of Civil Judges would be joining within two months, the Punjab & Haryana High Court has summoned the Chief Secretaries of both the States to be present virtually.

Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Anil Kshetarpal also warned of taking coercive steps against any of the functionaries of the States of Punjab and Haryana if an affidavit is not filed within a week's time.

These observations were made while hearing two Public Interest Litigations filed by the District Bar Association, Malerkotla pertaining to the shortage of space in District Courts and accommodation for judicial officers in Punjab and Haryana.

During the hearing, the Court observed that the problem of acute shortage of space not only in regard to Court Rooms, but also in regard to residential accommodation of Judicial Officers in the majority of Districts of the States of Punjab and Haryana is the subject matter herein.

The bench noted that in an order passed in September, the Court had issued the writ of mandamus "to identify and make available alternative accommodations to make up for the deficiencies of courtrooms and residences for judicial officers by earmarking and requisitioning State buildings lying vacant in all districts of Punjab, which are suitable and befitting for court room/Judge's residence.”

Directing both the States to file an affidavit on the issue, the Court listed the matter for December 04.

Mr. S.S. Behl, Advocate, Mr. Gaurav Vir Singh Behl, Advocate, for the petitioner in CWP-PIL-170-2024.

Mr. Abhijeet Partap Singh Chaudhary, Advocate, for the petitioner in CWP-PIL-249-2024.

Mr. Salil Sabhlok, Senior Deputy Advocate General, Punjab. Mr. Deepak Balyan, Additional Advocate General, Haryana.

Mr. Abhinav Sood, Advocate, Ms. Mehndi Singhal, Advocate for U.T., Chandigarh.

Mr. Gaurav Chopra, Senior Advocate, with Mr. Shobit Phutela, Advocate, for respondent No. 4 – High Court.

Title: District Bar Association, Malerkotla v. State of Punjab and others

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