At the 42nd annual convention of the Uttar Pradesh Judicial Services Association, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a slew of initiatives aimed at strengthening the judiciary’s infrastructure, enhancing the working conditions of judicial officers, and reinforcing public trust in the justice delivery system.
Key Announcements by CM Yogi
Speaking at the Allahabad High Court Lucknow Bench campus on Saturday, CM Yogi said that:
- Air conditioning units will be installed in the chambers of every District Judge, with financial assistance from the state government.
- A corpus fund will be created for judicial officers engaged in judicial work.
- The government will also bring a proposal for the safety of women judicial officers.
- These steps, he said, were part of the government’s commitment to ensure timely, affordable, and accessible justice for every citizen.
CM Yogi emphasized, “We must strengthen the judiciary to realize the dream of a developed India. If justice is not speedy and accessible, development cannot be sustainable.”
He noted that in 2024 alone, over 72 lakh cases were disposed of in district and trial courts across the state, a number that reflects an encouraging pace of judicial work. However, he stressed the need to balance speed with quality to maintain public trust.
Infrastructure Boost and Budgetary Support
CM Yogi highlighted the state’s financial commitment to judicial infrastructure:
- ₹62.41 crore sanctioned for housing construction for judges at the Allahabad High Court.
- Funds being allocated for the development of judicial complexes at Lucknow Bench and other regions.
- Approval of integrated court complexes in six districts.
Positive Role of Judiciary in Implementing New Criminal Laws
Praising judicial officers for their “promptness and sensitivity” in implementing the new criminal laws introduced in 2024, the CM said these laws mark a shift from a punishment-centric approach to a justice-centric one.
He added, “These reforms will deepen the foundations of our democracy by strengthening the judicial system.”
Alarming Shortage of Judges in UP, Says Association President
UP Judicial Services Association President Ranvir Singh raised serious concerns about the acute shortage of judges in the state. Citing Supreme Court norms of 50 judges per 10 lakh population, he pointed out:
- UP has only 11 judges per 10 lakh people, far below Gujarat (15), Delhi (20), and MP (23).
- As a result, UP has 29.83 lakh pending cases, with new filings outpacing disposals despite commendable productivity by judges.
He said, “Judges in UP are disposing of over 1.25 lakh cases per year on average—higher than other large states—but the shortage in sanctioned strength is widening the pendency.”
He also called for:
- Implementation of Old Pension Scheme for retired judges, as done in some states
- More staff and infrastructural facilities
- Digital upgrades, waiting halls, and other basic amenities in courts
“District Judiciary is the Real Face of Justice”: Justice Manish Kumar Gupta
Justice Manish Kumar Gupta, addressing the convention, underlined the vital role of district courts in maintaining people’s faith in justice.
He said, “For the common citizen, justice begins and ends at the district court. It’s not the Constitution’s text but the judge’s behaviour and timely judgment that defines justice for them.”
Quoting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, he reminded judicial officers that even the best Constitution will fail if those implementing it lack fairness and courage.
Embracing Technology and Continuous Learning
Justice Gupta lauded reforms like e-filing, digital records, and virtual hearings, calling them essential responses to changing times. He said:
“Justice is not just in landmark judgments, but in restoring dignity—be it a labourer’s pension or a widow’s rights. Justice must reflect in everyday change.”
He concluded by stressing the need for continuous education, given that new legal and social challenges emerge daily.
