Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant has called on the governments of Punjab and Haryana to improve infrastructure facilities in courts across the two states. He said that better facilities are essential for ensuring efficient delivery of justice.
The CJI made these remarks while inaugurating a multi-level parking facility at the District Courts Complex in Sector 43, Chandigarh. Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria was present at the event. Supreme Court judges Justice AG Masih and Justice Sheel Nagu also attended the ceremony.
CJI asks for more parking and courtrooms at High Court
During his address, Chief Justice Surya Kant urged the Chandigarh administration to increase infrastructure at the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He specifically asked for the creation of more parking facilities and additional courtrooms.
According to The Tribune, the CJI stressed that improved infrastructure is not a luxury but a necessity for the judiciary to function effectively.
CJI compares court infrastructure to hospital standards
The Chief Justice of India made it clear that court infrastructure should match the quality seen in hospitals. He said that proper facilities are a basic requirement for the justice system, not an extra benefit.
As reported by The Indian Express, CJI Surya Kant described the demand for better court infrastructure as "not luxury" but a fundamental need. He pointed out that lawyers, litigants, and judges all require proper spaces to work and access justice.
CJI calls on state governments to strengthen district courts
The CJI's appeal was directed at both the Punjab and Haryana governments. He urged them to strengthen judicial infrastructure in district courts across the two states.
According to ThePrint, the CJI emphasized that timely justice depends on having adequate physical infrastructure. He said that without proper courtrooms, parking, and other facilities, the judicial process faces unnecessary delays.
Our Take: Infrastructure is the foundation of justice
In our view, CJI Surya Kant's message is straightforward and important. Courts cannot deliver justice efficiently if they lack basic facilities. Parking shortages, cramped courtrooms, and poor infrastructure create problems for everyone — judges, lawyers, and the public.
The CJI is right to push state governments to act. Infrastructure is not a luxury. It is the foundation on which the entire justice system rests. If Punjab and Haryana want faster and fairer justice, they must invest in the physical spaces where justice is delivered.
This is a clear call to action for both state governments. The ball is now in their court.
