📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Yann Forget
National
MP High Court declares judicial infrastructure a constitutional duty, rejects financial excuses
✍️ Live Law
🗓 26 Aug 2026, 01:23 PM
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The Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that providing adequate court infrastructure is a constitutional obligation and that lack of funds cannot be used as a justification for delays.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court, sitting in Bhopal, issued a directive emphasizing that the state’s duty to furnish proper judicial infrastructure is enshrined in the Constitution. In its order, the bench rejected the argument that budgetary constraints could justify the slow pace of building courts, courtrooms and related facilities.
The court noted that delays in establishing functional courts impede citizens' right to speedy justice, a fundamental right guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. It urged the state government to prioritize allocation of resources for court construction, renovation and technological upgrades without resorting to financial excuses.
Legal experts say the ruling could compel state authorities to expedite pending projects and may set a precedent for other high courts to scrutinise budgetary justifications in matters affecting the judiciary. The bench also directed the state’s Chief Secretary to submit a detailed implementation plan within a stipulated timeframe.
The decision arrives amid growing concerns over case backlogs across Indian courts, highlighting the need for robust infrastructure to handle increasing litigation volumes.
The court noted that delays in establishing functional courts impede citizens' right to speedy justice, a fundamental right guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. It urged the state government to prioritize allocation of resources for court construction, renovation and technological upgrades without resorting to financial excuses.
Legal experts say the ruling could compel state authorities to expedite pending projects and may set a precedent for other high courts to scrutinise budgetary justifications in matters affecting the judiciary. The bench also directed the state’s Chief Secretary to submit a detailed implementation plan within a stipulated timeframe.
The decision arrives amid growing concerns over case backlogs across Indian courts, highlighting the need for robust infrastructure to handle increasing litigation volumes.