BENGALURU: The government allocation for judicial infrastructure is “peanuts” compared to the revenue courts generate, said Supreme Court Judge, Justice Arvind Kumar, addressing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah here on Saturday.
He raised concerns over inadequate funding and delays in approvals for judicial infrastructure and staffing, while speaking at the 22nd biennial state-level conference of judicial officers with its theme “Reimagining the judiciary in the era of AI”, organised by the Karnataka State Judicial Officers’ Association.
Justice Kumar acknowledged the state government’s support, but stressed that critical gaps persist in infrastructure creation, including court buildings and residential facilities for judges in districts.
‘Rising litigation puts pressure on justice delivery’
Justice Kumar pointed out that despite repeated proposals, approvals are often delayed or scaled down by officials.
He noted a steady rise in litigation, with annual case filings increasing and adding pressure on the justice delivery system. However, proposals related to judicial appointments, public prosecutors and infrastructure are frequently processed slowly or curtailed.
He said that over the last two years, only 238 posts were approved against a demand for 666 across High Court benches in Bengaluru, Kalaburagi and Dharwad. Similarly, for district courts, only 400 posts were sanctioned against a requirement of 680.
Justice Kumar underscored the stark mismatch between revenue generated by the judiciary and funds allocated for its development. Over the last three years, courts in Karnataka collected Rs 376 crore (2023–24), Rs 439 crore (2024–25) and Rs 470 crore (2025–26) through court fees, penalties, and stamp duties. In contrast, the state’s non-salary expenditure on the judiciary stood at just Rs 1.03 crore, Rs 40 lakh, Rs 1.37 crore and Rs 1.41 crore over comparable periods – which he described as “peanuts”.
He argued that when compared to the substantial revenue generated, the allocation for judicial infrastructure remains disproportionately low. “At least 75–80% of the money collected should be given back to the judiciary,” he said.
He expressed hope that the chief minister would direct officials to approve High Court proposals swiftly.