LI Network
Published on: December 20, 2023 at 12:59 IST
The Supreme Court issued directives to the Delhi Government, urging them to initiate the tendering process for the construction of judicial infrastructure in Delhi.
The bench, comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra, also instructed the Chief Secretary of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) to provide updates on various aspects, including residential accommodations for judicial officers, staff recruitment at the district level, and the provision of temporary additional courtrooms.
The Apex Court had previously mandated a meeting chaired by the Acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, attended by key officials such as the Chief Secretary of GNCTD, Principal Secretary (Law), Principal Secretary (PWD), Secretary (Finance), and other relevant officers. The meeting aimed to expedite clearances and approvals to address the urgent infrastructural needs of the Delhi High Court.
As per the meeting records, a residential project featuring 70 units for judicial officers in Dwarka had commenced in October 2014 but was halted due to structural defects. With no other ongoing project for residential units, the court directed the convening of a meeting to decide on the future of this project.
The Land and Development Office (L&DO) of the Union government received instructions to expedite the handover of vacant areas designated for the Rouse Avenue Project to the Delhi High Court by December 31, 2023.
The Supreme Court issued specific orders, including the filing of an affidavit by GNCTD by January 31, 2024, confirming the initiation of tenders for judicial infrastructure construction within the specified timelines.
Additionally, a review meeting under the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court was scheduled for January 12, 2024, where the Chief Secretary, GNCTD, was to report on progress regarding residential accommodations, staff recruitment, and temporary courtrooms, with the proceedings slated for February 5, 2024.
Case Title: Malik Mazhar Sultan v UP Public Services Commission | Civil Appeal No(s).1867/2006