Centre committed to improving judicial infrastructure, says Law Minister
Law Minister Kiren Rijiju at a Constitution Day celebrations event in New Delhi on Saturday
Says Rs 9000 cr already approved for the purpose
New Delhi, Nov. 27 (Delhi Crown): Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Saturday that the Centre Government has approved a sum of Rs. 9,000 crores for the development of judicial infrastructure.
Speaking at the Valedictory function of the Constitution Day celebrations in New Delhi, the minister said he has taken note of the suggestions made by the Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana to give thrust to the development of judicial infrastructure.
“I have taken note of the suggestions made yesterday by the Hon’ble CJI about the need for giving thrust on the judicial infrastructure. I would like to inform that the Government has already approved the continuation of the centrally sponsored scheme for development of infrastructural facilities for the judiciary at a cost of Rs. 9,000 crore rupees.”
Expressing concerns at the huge pendency of cases, Rijiju said efficacy of judicial infrastructure is essential for the reduction of backlog of cases.
He added that the present government is sensitive to the needs of strengthening the judicial infrastructure and is committed to investing maximum resources for developing next generation infrastructure.
Later the CJI thanked the law minister for approving the funds, and added that the problem was not the funds but their “under-utilization”. He reiterated the need for a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in the form of Judicial Infrastructure Authority to ensure proper utilization of the funds.
“Money is not the issue. Funds is not the issue. Ultimately the money or the functions sanctioned by the Government of India under the central scheme has to reach and it has to be spent. Unfortunately, some of the states are not giving their share of money as a contributing share. So, no infrastructure schemes are taking off,” added CJI Ramana in his statement.
The CJI also requested the law minister to expedite the filling up of vacancies of judicial officers.
