Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh High Court reminded the Madhya Pradesh government that providing adequate judicial infrastructure is a constitutional obligation. The court said that financial constraints cannot be used as an excuse to delay important court projects that directly affect access to justice. The observations came while hearing a public interest litigation related to poor infrastructure at the District Court in Anuppur.
The High Court stressed that judicial infrastructure is not merely an administrative matter but an essential requirement for protecting citizens’ constitutional rights under Article 21.
Madhya Pradesh Judicial Infrastructure: MP High Court Emphasises Constitutional Duty
A Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Vivek Rusia and Justice Pradeep Mittal expanded the scope of the PIL beyond the Anuppur District Court and examined the larger issue of pending judicial infrastructure projects across Madhya Pradesh.
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The bench observed that the administration of justice is one of the pillars of democracy and should not be treated like an ordinary government department when infrastructure requirements are considered.
Court Says Financial Constraints Cannot Delay Justice
The High Court noted that adequate judicial infrastructure is directly linked to citizens’ right to access justice under Article 21 of the Constitution.
According to the bench, infrastructure for courts is a constitutional responsibility of the State and cannot be postponed because of budgetary limitations.
Madhya Pradesh Judicial Infrastructure: Strong Message To The State Government
The judges emphasized that judicial infrastructure should receive priority treatment. They stated that delays in approving court buildings and related projects can negatively affect the justice delivery system and create hardships for litigants, advocates, and court staff.
Background Of The Anuppur Court Infrastructure Case
The PIL was filed by advocate Sanyojak of Jila Vikas Manch, Anuppur, seeking directions for the construction of a new District Court building in Anuppur.
The petitioner informed the court that the existing court complex operates from an old rented building that lacks adequate space and modern facilities. This situation causes inconvenience to lawyers, litigants, and members of the public visiting the court.
Pending Court Projects Across Madhya Pradesh
During the hearing, the High Court observed that multiple judicial infrastructure projects across district courts and the High Court have been awaiting administrative and financial approval from the State Government.
The bench indicated that these pending projects need urgent attention because proper court infrastructure is necessary for efficient functioning of the judiciary.
Madhya Pradesh Judicial Infrastructure: Earlier Directions Referred By The Court
The petitioner referred to a memorandum issued on February 3, 2021, in which the Principal Secretary of the Law and Legislative Department was directed to take prompt action regarding pending sanctions for judicial infrastructure projects. The High Court examined whether those directions had been properly implemented and whether necessary approvals had been granted.
FAQs
The case highlighted the lack of adequate court infrastructure in Anuppur and led the High Court to examine similar pending projects across Madhya Pradesh.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court said that providing judicial infrastructure is a constitutional duty of the State and financial constraints cannot be used as an excuse to delay court projects.
The High Court observed that proper judicial infrastructure supports citizens’ right to access justice, which forms part of the protections guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
