Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh High Court Slams Himachal Government Over Delay in Judicial Infrastructure, Chief Secretary Summoned
In a major development, the High Court of Himachal Pradesh has strongly criticised the Himachal Pradesh government over delays in improving judicial infrastructure across the state. The court observed that repeated assurances given by the state appeared to be nothing more than “lip service” while ground-level progress remained missing.
In a major development, the High Court of Himachal Pradesh has strongly criticised the Himachal Pradesh government over delays in improving judicial infrastructure across the state. The court observed that repeated assurances given by the state appeared to be nothing more than “lip service” while ground-level progress remained missing.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chander Negi summoned the state Chief Secretary to personally appear before the court on May 20 and explain the government’s stand.
The court questioned why assurances made during an earlier hearing regarding favourable Cabinet consideration were later contradicted by an official communication issued on April 28.
Court Says Government Promises on Justice Delivery Appear “Hollow”
During the hearing, the High Court made sharp remarks against the state administration, stating that promises of delivering justice at citizens’ doorsteps appeared “hollow”. The Bench noted that judicial infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh has continued to suffer despite repeated discussions and directions.
The judges observed that the downgrading of facilities was visible not only in district courts but also at the High Court level. According to the Bench, the situation reflects a serious lack of priority being given to the judiciary.
The court also indicated that the conduct of the state government could amount to continued contempt because assurances provided earlier were allegedly not honoured in subsequent official communications.
Shortage of Staff and Pending Judicial Facilities Raise Concerns
Highlighting gaps in judicial administration, the court pointed out that several sanctioned judicial posts are functioning without proper staff support.
According to court observations:
- Four posts of Additional District Judges are functioning without adequate staff.
- Five Civil Judge posts also continue to operate without necessary support personnel.
- Even mandatory record keeper posts have reportedly not been created.
The Bench further noted that permanent Lok Adalats have still not been established despite statutory requirements under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
The court stated that these delays directly impact the efficiency of the justice delivery system and create additional burdens on existing judicial staff.
High Court Flags Possible Criminal Contempt
In one of the strongest observations made during the hearing, the Bench said a prima facie case of criminal contempt appeared to be made out.
The remarks came after an officer holding the rank of Special Secretary (Home) allegedly questioned the necessity and functioning of courts in official communication.
The High Court observed that such comments undermine the dignity and authority of the judiciary and cannot be taken lightly.
Court Questions State’s Budget Priorities
The Bench also took serious note of an affidavit filed by the Principal Secretary (Finance), calling it a “classic case of financial jugglery of figures”.
As per the affidavit:
- The judiciary received an allocation of Rs 272.64 crore for FY 2025–26, accounting for only 0.46% of the total state Budget.
- The proposed allocation for the next financial year stands at Rs 290.25 crore, or 0.53% of the Budget estimate.
The court compared this with the increased allocation to the Panchayati Raj Department, whose budget reportedly rose from Rs 878.95 crore to Rs 1,040.41 crore.
Making a strong observation, the Bench remarked that the state government appeared more focused on “pandering to votes” rather than strengthening judicial infrastructure.
