SC issues directions to Delhi government for judicial infrastructure
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has issued several directions to the Delhi government regarding the creation of judicial infrastructure in the national capital.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra issued the direction to facilitate the implementation of the decisions taken in the meeting held on December 12, 2023.
The court directed the authorities concerned to file an affidavit on behalf of the Delhi government by January 31, 2024, certifying that the tenders for creation of judicial infrastructure as set out in the tabulated statement have been issued within that time frame, Which was specified in the meeting. 12 December 2023.
The court directed that a review meeting on the same lines as stated in the order dated December 11, 2023, will be convened on January 12, 2024, under the auspices of the Chief Justice of Delhi High Court and will be attended by the Chief Secretary, GNCTD. Provide information on the steps taken in pursuance of the decisions taken in the meeting and also, apprise the members of the action taken in respect of residential accommodation for judicial officers.
The court also wanted to know the process of recruitment of employees at the district level; and provision of additional court rooms temporarily, including the outlay required for converting the premises into court rooms.
“Proceedings will now be listed on February 5, 2024 to specifically consider the provision of judicial infrastructure regarding the district judiciary operating under the supervision and control of the Delhi High Court,” the court said.
Senior Advocate Shyam Diwan, Amicus Curiae; K Parameshwara and Vikramjit Banerjee, Additional Solicitor General, appeared in the case along with senior advocate Wasim Qadri, appearing for GNCTD.
In compliance with the order of the apex court, a meeting was convened under the chairmanship of the Acting Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, which was attended by the Chief Secretary, GNCTD, Principal Secretary (Law), Principal Secretary (PWD), Secretary. (Finance), GNCTD and other officials of L&DO was held in the mid week of December. Delhi High Court judge Justice Rajiv Shakdhar and Registrar General also attended the meeting.
Various decisions taken in the meeting include construction of a residential project consisting of 70 residential units for judicial officers which was started in October 2014 in Dwarka. However, construction halted due to structural defects, putting the construction in jeopardy. A report has been submitted by CBRI, Roorkee highlighting the poor quality of construction. The project is stalled and there is no other ongoing project for construction of residential units for judicial officers in Delhi. The court said that a final decision has to be taken regarding the future action regarding the residential project in Dwarka.
The court requested the Acting Chief Justice of Delhi High Court to convene a meeting at his earliest convenience. The members attending the meeting, which was held in pursuance of previous instructions, will attend the meeting on the scheduled date to facilitate taking the final decision to proceed with respect to the Dwarka Project.
The top court said that the L&DO of the Central government will take steps to ensure that the possession of the vacant area available for the Rouse Avenue project is handed over to the Delhi High Court expeditiously and in any case by December 31, 2023.
