Calcutta High Court Grills West Bengal Government on Delayed Court Funds and Infrastructure
In a sharp hearing today, a division bench of the Calcutta High Court called out the West Bengal government for dragging its feet on funding crucial upgrades for lower and district courts across the state. The bench, led by Justice Debangshu Basak and Justice Shabbar Rashidi, grilled Chief Secretary Manoj Pant during a virtual session on a petition demanding better court infrastructure.
The court zeroed in on a whopping Rs 17 crore in pending funds from the state government. These funds are essential for infrastructure development and improvements at various courts, including some projects at the Calcutta High Court itself. "Why the hold-up?" the bench essentially asked, pointing out that key works have stalled due to this funding crunch.
Judges pressed Pant for a clear timeline on when the state would release the money. They also demanded updates on stalled projects like installing CCTV cameras in courts and preserving footage—a task that’s been on hold since 2024. The bench highlighted how a full year has slipped by without progress, raising serious concerns about court security and efficiency.
On top of that, the judges questioned when Pant last discussed these issues with the Calcutta High Court Chief Justice and state officials. Frustrated by the delays, the bench ordered the Chief Secretary to submit a detailed explanation for the hold-ups by Friday. The state administration must also file a comprehensive report within the next seven days.
This development comes amid growing calls for better judicial infrastructure in West Bengal, where outdated facilities are hampering justice delivery. Stay tuned for updates as the court pushes for accountability on court funding and upgrades.
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