Supreme Court Slams Punjab Over Misuse of Judiciary Funds: Missing Infrastructure Sparks Alarm
Court says Punjab diverted central grants to build houses instead of courts, leaving districts without basic judicial facilities.
Judges warn misuse of funds undermines access to justice, demand accountability and urgent infrastructure reforms.
By Our Legal Correspondent
New Delhi: November 15, 2025:
In a sharp rebuke, the Supreme Court of India has pulled up the Punjab government for failing to provide even basic judicial infrastructure despite receiving central grants. The court alleged that funds earmarked for building courts and related facilities were instead diverted to construct houses for government officials.
The remarks came during a hearing on judicial infrastructure in Malerkotla district, where the absence of proper court buildings has left judges and litigants struggling. The case has now become a flashpoint in the debate over governance, accountability, and access to justice in India.
Background of the Case
The issue first surfaced when the Punjab and Haryana High Court repeatedly directed the state government to create judicial infrastructure in newly formed districts. Despite these orders, progress remained slow.
On November 14, 2025, a Supreme Court bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi expressed shock at the state’s failure. The judges noted that while the Centre had released funds, the state appeared to have diverted them for other purposes.
Justice Surya Kant observed: “If we order an inquiry, we will find out that they have already consumed the central grant for other purposes. They are building houses for themselves but cannot construct courts and create judicial infrastructure.”
The Supreme Court’s Concerns
- Misuse of Central Grants: Funds meant for judiciary infrastructure were allegedly diverted.
- Lack of Accountability: The state failed to explain why court buildings were not constructed.
- Impact on Justice Delivery: Without proper infrastructure, judges and litigants face delays and hardships.
- Governance Priorities: The court criticized the government for prioritizing housing projects over judicial needs.
Malerkotla: A Case Study in Neglect
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The newly formed Malerkotla district became the focal point of the Supreme Court’s criticism. Despite being carved out years ago, the district still lacks proper court buildings. Judges are forced to work in temporary facilities, and litigants face overcrowded, inadequate spaces.
This situation, the court noted, reflects a broader pattern of neglect across Punjab, where judicial infrastructure has not kept pace with administrative expansion.
Political and Administrative Context
The criticism comes at a sensitive time for the AAP-led Punjab government, which has faced questions about governance and financial management. While the government has invested in housing and welfare schemes, the judiciary’s infrastructure has been left behind.
Legal experts argue that this neglect undermines the rule of law. Courts are the backbone of justice delivery, and without proper facilities, even the best judges cannot function effectively.
Broader Implications for India
- Judicial Independence: Courts must have adequate infrastructure to function independently.
- Public Trust: Misuse of funds erodes trust in governance.
- Access to Justice: Citizens in districts without proper courts face delays and denial of justice.
- Policy Reform: The case may push for stricter monitoring of central grants to states.
Expert Opinions
Legal scholars and activists welcomed the Supreme Court’s strong words. “This ruling is a wake-up call. Judicial infrastructure is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Without it, the promise of justice remains hollow,” said a senior advocate in Delhi.
Others noted that the case highlights the need for transparent audits of how states use central funds. “If funds are diverted, there must be accountability. Otherwise, the judiciary will continue to suffer,” said a governance expert.
Possible Next Steps
The Supreme Court hinted at ordering an inquiry into the misuse of funds. If such an inquiry is conducted, it could expose irregularities and force the Punjab government to redirect resources toward judicial infrastructure.
The court may also issue binding directions to ensure that future grants are used exclusively for their intended purpose.
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Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s sharp criticism of the Punjab government marks a turning point in the debate over judicial infrastructure in India. By highlighting the alleged misuse of funds, the court has drawn attention to the urgent need for accountability and reform.
For Punjab, the message is clear: justice cannot be delivered without proper infrastructure. For India, the case underscores the importance of ensuring that governance priorities align with the fundamental right of citizens to access justice.
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