Delhi LG Recalls Files on Courts, Justice Delivery from AAP Govt

Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has recalled files related to courts, judicial infrastructure, and justice delivery in the city due to delays by the AAP government. The files include proposals for various projects and appointments.

In a significant move, Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has recalled all files related to courts, judicial infrastructure, expeditious justice delivery, and the justice administration system in the city following a delay by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in clearing them. The Lt Governor's action comes as a response to the prolonged pendency of crucial proposals that have been hindering the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial system in the capital.

Files Recalled by LG

The files recalled by the Lt Governor include proposals for the construction of a district court complex in Rohini, lawyers' chambers at Rouse Avenue Court, procurement of thin-client machines for district courts, printers for family courts, constitution of state and district legal services authorities, appointment of official receiver, constitution of panels of the government in Delhi VAT and GST tribunal, district courts, and a file on enhancement of allowances to retired chief justices and judges of Delhi High Court.

Delay by AAP Government

According to officials at the Raj Niwas, a report from the principal secretary law and justice on December 4 brought to the notice of the LG Secretariat that 18 files were pending with the law minister for up to six months. Despite a reminder sent by the officer to the law minister on November 13 to expeditiously decide on the files, no response was received, leading to the Lt Governor's intervention.

LG's Concern and Communication

Expressing his serious view of the pendency of such a large number of important proposals, the Lt Governor pointed out that delays by the law minister were creating barriers in the administration of justice in the capital. In a communication to the principal secretary law and justice, the LG Secretariat sought all the files that were pending with the law minister for perusal and consideration of the Lt Governor within three days. A copy of the communication was also marked to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

AAP Government's Response

In response to the Lt Governor's action, the AAP government stated that it has made the highest investment on judicial infrastructure in the history of Delhi. The government highlighted the construction of world-class premises at Rouse Avenue Court, Karkardooma Court Complex, and Tis Hazari Court. It also provided details of the increasing investment in judicial infrastructure over the years, with a significant rise from Rs 504 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 1,528 crore in 2022-23.

The recall of files by the Delhi Lieutenant Governor underscores the importance of timely decision-making and efficient administration in ensuring the smooth functioning of the judicial system. The AAP government's investment in judicial infrastructure is commendable, but addressing the pendency of crucial files and ensuring expeditious justice delivery remain essential for upholding the rule of law and providing citizens with access to effective legal recourse.