New Delhi, July 12
The Supreme Court today mooted a proposal for utilisation of funds generated by the judiciary through court fees, fines and costs for improving the lower judiciary’s poor infrastructure facilities.
A special three-member Bench constituted for going into the problems of the lower judiciary across the country today held its first hearing and sought the response of the Centre, states and high courts to a set of suggestions contained in an apex court report. Headed by Chief Justice SH Kapadia, the Bench passed an order mentioning proposals on fund utilisation and other aspects with a view to eliciting the views of the state governments, HCs and the Union Ministry of Law and Justice.
The Bench, which includes Justices Aftab Alam and KS Radhakrishnan, said the funds generated by the judiciary could be used for creating an infrastructure fund that would be in addition to current allocations made by the Centre and states for the purpose.
The apex court also wanted a change in the present annual allocation method under the “plan expenditure” as central funds were lapsing because of the states’ failure to make a matching contribution. Further, the present method resulted in dwindling central allocations for states that were unable to set aside their share for infrastructure facilities for the lower judiciary.
The suggestions also include defining the size of courtrooms and residential accommodation for judicial officers and provision of furniture, fixtures, libraries, computers, water,electricity, air-conditioners and fans.
