Allahabad HC raps UP govt over delay in setting up new courts

The Allahabad High Court expressed strong displeasure over the Uttar Pradesh government's delay in setting up 900 new courts across the state, warning of personal appearances if a decision isn't made by July 8.

The Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court on Tuesday expressed strong displeasure over the Uttar Pradesh government's delay in setting up 900 new courts across the state.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Jaspreet Singh also warned that the chief secretary and legal remembrancer would have to personally appear before it if a final decision was not taken by the next date of hearing.

The matter is scheduled for further hearing on July 8.

The bench passed the order on a suo motu public interest litigation related to the creation of 9,149 courts in the state.

The petition states that a high-level committee of the state government had, in October 2024, already granted in-principle approval for setting up 900 courts in the first phase. These include 225 Higher Judicial Service (HJS) courts, 375 Civil Judge (Senior Division) courts and 300 Civil Judge (Junior Division) courts.

The bench observed that instead of taking a concrete decision, efforts were being made to delay the process by raising fresh and baseless objections, which could not be accepted.

In view of the court's strict observations, the state government sought one final opportunity, which was granted by the bench while passing the order.