Why is the Bengal government delaying funds for court infrastructure?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Calcutta High Court is pressing the Bengal government for delayed infrastructure funds.
- Rs 17 crore is pending for various lower and district courts.
- Infrastructure projects, including CCTV installations, are stalled.
- The Chief Secretary has been asked to provide a timeline for fund release.
- The court seeks accountability from the state administration.
Kolkata, Sep 11 (NationPress) A division bench of the Calcutta High Court expressed concern on Thursday regarding the state government's hesitance to allocate funds for the improvement and upkeep of various lower and district courts across the state.
The proceedings were held before the division bench, comprised of Justice Debangshu Basak and Justice Shabbar Rashidi, with the state Chief Secretary, Manoj Pant, attending virtually.
During the hearing, the bench raised critical questions about the unreleased amount of Rs 17 crore meant for the infrastructure enhancement of these courts.
The accusation against the state government highlighted that numerous infrastructure projects at various courts, including some at the Calcutta High Court, remain incomplete due to the lack of funds from the government.
The court urged the Chief Secretary to provide a timeline for when the necessary funds would be made available.
Furthermore, the bench inquired about the status of the installation of CCTV cameras and the preservation of footage at courts, which has been stalled since 2024.
The division bench also questioned the Chief Secretary about his last communication with the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court and state administration on this matter.
It was noted that a year has passed, yet the work remains unfinished.
The bench instructed the Chief Secretary to justify the prolonged delay in completing the pending work by Friday.
Additionally, the state administration was directed to present a detailed report to the court within the next week.