The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the central government to respond to a public interest litigation (PIL) highlighting the slow pace of justice due to a shortage of government lawyers in Chandigarh’s district court. The High Court warned that failure to respond by the next hearing would result in a penalty.
The PIL, filed by the Chandigarh District Court Bar Association, emphasizes that the limited number of government lawyers is slowing down judicial processes. The district court currently has 29 judges but only 20 state counsels. These state counsels also have to appear in the permanent and Lok Adalats.
The court was informed that out of the 20 state counsels, one is stationed at the DC office. Post-lunch, other counsels have to attend sessions at the permanent and Lok Adalats. This situation negatively impacts both lawyers and the public. Despite an increase in the number of judges in Chandigarh’s district court, the number of government lawyers has remained stagnant for years. Consequently, the absence of lawyers in all courts delays hearings and witness testimonies, leading to prolonged case schedules.
