NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today expressed concern over lack of courtrooms and infrastructure across the country and directed the government to submit state-wise break-up of money allotted for setting up of court infrastructure.
The apex court asked the Centre to apprise it about the total amount of funds which the 14th Finance Commission has allocated for the judiciary in the country over the next five years starting from April 1, 2015.
A bench headed by Chief Justice T S Thakur asked Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh to specify the manner in which the Centre proposes to monitor the utilisation of the amount earmarked for judiciary by the states and directed him to file an affidavit in this regard within 10 days.
"Whether any break-up of the said allocation has been provided for by the Finance Commission and/or government of India or any guidelines as to the areas in which the said amount will be expanded. "In case such a break-up is prescribed, a copy of the communication/order under which the same has been provided be placed on record. What is the manner by which the government of India proposes to monitor the utilisation of the amount set apart for judiciary by the states. State-wise allocation be also indicated," the bench, also comprising justices D Y Chandrachud and L Nageswara Rao, said while reserving its order on the plea.
The court was hearing the petition relating to arrears and vacancies in several courts.