The Delhi High Court has expressed strong disapproval towards the Delhi Government and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for their failure to make progress in constructing official residences for judicial officers in the national capital. A division bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela highlighted the persistent inaction despite the court's prior directives, emphasizing the essential need for adequate housing for members of the judiciary.
During the proceedings, the bench criticized the authorities for their lack of responsiveness, stating that the court had to "virtually beg" for compliance. The judges underscored that providing decent living conditions for judicial officers is not merely a formality but a necessity that should be approached with sensitivity and urgency. They warned that continued negligence could compel the court to take more stringent actions, noting that they were "only short of summoning the officers" involved.
The court granted the Delhi Government a three-week deadline to make a decisive move regarding the release of funds for the construction of judges' residences, particularly in the Dwarka area. Additionally, the DDA Commissioner was directed to submit a detailed response outlining the steps taken to comply with judicial orders, including the provision of alternative housing options for judges. The DDA Director was also instructed to be present at the next hearing scheduled for May.
This reprimand follows earlier criticisms from the court concerning the government's failure to allocate necessary funds for pending housing projects. The court had previously reminded the Delhi Government of the Supreme Court's directives, which prioritize the provision of official accommodations for judicial officers. Despite these reminders, significant delays have persisted, exacerbating the housing shortage faced by the judiciary.
The issue was brought to the forefront through public interest litigations filed by Sahil A Garg Narwana and the Judicial Service Association of Delhi. These petitions highlighted the stark disparity between the sanctioned strength of judicial officers, which stands at 897, and the availability of only 348 official residences. This shortfall has forced many judges to seek accommodations far from their workplaces, impacting their efficiency and the overall functioning of the judiciary.
Compounding the problem are failed housing projects initiated in previous years. For instance, a project launched in 2014 to construct 70 flats in Dwarka remains incomplete. Similarly, a 2018 initiative to build residential units in Anand Vihar stalled due to issues with land-use conversion from commercial to residential purposes. Another proposed site in Vishwas Nagar, Shahdara, was deemed unsuitable for judicial residences by a Delhi High Court committee.
The court's recent directives aim to break this cycle of inaction and ensure that the judiciary receives the necessary support to function effectively. By holding the Delhi Government and DDA accountable, the High Court seeks to uphold the integrity of the judicial system and reinforce the importance of providing essential infrastructure for its officers. The upcoming hearing in May will be crucial in determining the progress made in addressing these longstanding issues.
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