Calcutta High Court Nudge: The Calcutta High Court has once again raised pressing concerns regarding the funding of judicial infrastructure in West Bengal, pointing to an alarming shortfall in financial support that has already begun hampering the smooth functioning of courts across the state. A bench comprising Justice Debangsu Basak and Justice Md Shabbar Rashidi expressed dissatisfaction with the state government’s failure to clear 53 pending files relating to financial approvals for the judiciary.
The High Court’s observations shed light on an ongoing crisis: district courts are running out of money, internet connectivity across many court complexes has collapsed, and even basic administrative functions such as purchasing stationery have been stalled due to lack of funds. The court emphasized that delayed financial support threatens the delivery of justice, calling upon the Chief Secretary, Manoj Pant, to personally look into the matter and provide an explanation within seven days.
The High Court’s Key Concerns
The bench underscored several critical issues that need immediate state intervention:
- Pending Files: At least 53 files sent by the judiciary to the state remain unresolved, all seeking financial clearance. These include requests for disbursement of funds for both district courts and the High Court itself.
- Administrative Grant Shortfall: Each district court is supposed to receive ₹5 lakh annually for administrative expenses. However, the state has released only ₹2.5 lakh, which has already been exhausted.
- Breakdown of Internet Systems: The internet backbone in several district courts has collapsed, severely affecting digital case management, online hearings, and e-filing services.
- Basic Shortages: District courts are struggling with such severe budgetary deficits that even the procurement of office stationery has become impossible.
- Pending Infrastructure Projects: The finance department is yet to approve a file seeking ₹50 crore for 14 ongoing judicial projects across the state, which include improvements in court buildings and digital infrastructure.
These points collectively illustrate that the judiciary’s administrative side is in urgent need of funding. Without immediate intervention, the functioning of the justice system could be crippled.
Broader Context of Judicial Funding in India
The crisis in West Bengal is not unique. Across India, judicial infrastructure has long been plagued by underfunding, leading to chronic delays in case disposal, overcrowded courtrooms, and technological gaps.
According to the Department of Justice (Government of India), judicial infrastructure funding is a shared responsibility between the Centre and the states. While the Centre may support large projects under schemes like the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Development of Infrastructure Facilities for Judiciary, day-to-day expenses and operational costs largely fall within the purview of state governments.
- For more background on judicial infrastructure policy, see the Department of Justice official website: https://doj.gov.in
Calcutta High Court Nudge: Why Court Funds Matter
Judicial independence is not only about protecting judges from external influence but also about ensuring that courts are administratively capable of functioning without financial bottlenecks. Without adequate resources:
- Case Backlogs Multiply: Shortages delay hearings, filings, and judgments.
- Access to Justice Shrinks: Citizens, particularly from rural and economically weaker backgrounds, face added difficulties when courts lack basic amenities or digital connectivity.
- E-Courts Mission Falters: India’s flagship eCourts Project, aimed at digitizing and modernizing the justice system, requires robust internet facilities and reliable administrative funding. (Government of India eCourts Mission)
- Public Confidence Declines: If courts cannot carry out even basic administrative tasks, citizens may lose trust in the judiciary’s efficiency and credibility.
State Government’s Response
Chief Secretary Manoj Pant informed the bench that he has taken direct responsibility for resolving the issue and requested a week’s time to provide a clear answer. The state has also acknowledged the pending ₹50 crore file in the finance department.
While the assurance shows intent, the High Court’s nudge reflects judicial impatience with bureaucratic delays. Unless the files are cleared and funds disbursed quickly, courts across West Bengal will remain paralyzed in essential functions.
Historical Precedents
This is not the first time courts have had to remind governments about their responsibilities. Across India, several High Courts have previously intervened to highlight deficiencies in judicial infrastructure:
- The Supreme Court of India has, in multiple judgments, stressed that access to justice is a fundamental right, which includes not just legal representation but also functional courts with adequate infrastructure. (Supreme Court of India)
- The Justice V.S. Malimath Committee and subsequent reports have repeatedly recommended increased budgetary allocation for the judiciary, yet implementation has been sluggish at the state level.
The Way Forward
For West Bengal—and indeed India as a whole—to avoid a deeper judicial crisis, several urgent steps are necessary:
- Clearing Pending Files Immediately
The government must fast-track the 53 pending files and ensure the judiciary receives its promised allocations. - Dedicated Judicial Budgeting
Courts should not have to compete with other departments for basic operational funds. A separate, ring-fenced budget for the judiciary could safeguard against such delays. - Digital Infrastructure Investment
Repairing internet systems and ensuring uninterrupted connectivity is central to India’s judicial modernization goals. - Transparent Reporting
The state should publish annual reports on judicial funding—how much was allocated, how much disbursed, and where delays occurred. - Judiciary-Government Coordination Committees
A joint monitoring mechanism between the judiciary and the state government could help avoid bottlenecks in the future.
Conclusion
The Calcutta High Court’s nudge to the West Bengal government is more than an administrative reminder—it is a signal that the justice system cannot continue to operate under financial strain. With courtrooms running out of funds, internet connectivity breaking down, and even stationery supplies drying up, the situation borders on a systemic crisis.
Timely funding is not a luxury but a necessity to safeguard the rule of law. Judicial efficiency, citizen confidence, and constitutional guarantees of speedy justice all rest on a well-funded, well-equipped court system.
The state government’s immediate task is clear: release the pending funds, approve infrastructure projects, and restore confidence that courts in West Bengal can function as they are constitutionally mandated to.
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