Himachal High Court News: The High Court of Himachal Pradesh has made sharp observations against the Government of Himachal Pradesh over alleged delays and resistance in improving judicial infrastructure across the state. The court criticised the state government for what it termed “lip service” and “hollow” promises regarding access to justice for citizens.
A Division Bench comprising Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Bipin Chander Negi expressed displeasure over the state’s handling of judicial infrastructure projects and the repeated citing of financial constraints to defer the creation of courts and related facilities.
The Bench directed the Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh to personally explain the developments that had taken place during the last two years concerning judicial infrastructure. The court also sought clarification on why assurances given earlier regarding favourable Cabinet consideration were later contradicted through official communications. The Chief Secretary has been summoned to appear before the court on May 20.
During the hearing, the court observed that it had no option but to summon the Chief Secretary after an assurance was reportedly given during the March 31 hearing that the matter was pending favourable consideration before the Cabinet. However, a subsequent communication dated April 28 allegedly contradicted that assurance and, according to the Bench, undermined the authority and dignity of the High Court.
The court remarked that such conduct on the part of the state amounted to continued contempt. It further stated that the weakening of judicial facilities was visible at every level, including within both the High Court and district judiciary.
Highlighting administrative deficiencies, the Bench noted that four posts of Additional District Judges and five posts of Civil Judges created earlier were still functioning without the necessary staff support. The court pointed out that even the posts of record keepers, which are part of the mandated staffing pattern, had not yet been created.
The Bench also raised concerns regarding the absence of permanent Lok Adalats in the state despite the statutory obligation under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. The court indicated that the continued failure to establish such mechanisms reflected poorly on the state’s commitment towards judicial accessibility and dispute resolution.
After examining the material placed before it, the court observed that a prima facie case of criminal contempt appeared to be made out. The observation came after an officer holding the rank of Special Secretary (Home) allegedly questioned the functioning and necessity of courts.
The court also strongly criticised an affidavit filed by the Principal Secretary (Finance), describing it as a “classic case of financial jugglery of figures”. According to the affidavit, the judiciary’s budget allocation for the financial year 2025–26 stood at Rs 272.64 crore, which constituted 0.46 per cent of the total state Budget. The proposed allocation for the forthcoming year was stated to be Rs 290.25 crore, amounting to 0.53 per cent of the overall Budget estimate.
In contrast, the Bench noted a substantial rise in allocation for the Panchayati Raj Department. As per the figures cited before the court, the department’s budget reportedly increased from Rs 878.95 crore to Rs 1,040.41 crore.
While the state government justified the increase by referring to grants received from the Central Finance Commission and State Finance Commission, the court questioned the state’s priorities. The Bench observed that the figures indicated that the focus of the government was “only not to develop judicial infrastructure but to pander to votes.”
The proceedings have brought renewed attention to the condition of judicial infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh and the broader issue of administrative and financial support for the judiciary. The matter is expected to come up again when the Chief Secretary appears before the High Court later this month.
