HP High Court warns Government of contempt over fund blockage to Judiciary
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source internet
Shimla, Nov 6,
The Himachal Pradesh government’s financial mismanagement appears to be catching up with it—this time, with the judiciary. The Himachal Pradesh High Court has reprimanded the State government for failing to release funds essential for the day-to-day functioning of courts, warning that continued delay would attract contempt proceedings.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Ranjan Sharma expressed displeasure over the state’s failure to prioritise allocations for the judiciary, terming it a disruption to normal court operations. The court directed the Finance Secretary to appear in person on November 13 with a draft of Rs 10 crore, unless the amount is deposited beforehand.
The warning came during the hearing of a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) initiated by the High Court in 2023, after repeated delays in payments of administrative expenses to retired justices and subordinate courts. According to records, around Rs 6.88 crore remains pending for administrative costs and Rs 4.07 crore for vehicle purchases — totalling over Rs 10 crore in outstanding dues.
Senior Advocate Neeraj Gupta, serving as amicus curiae, told the court that the government has consistently ignored judicial directions, including those from the Supreme Court, even as it implemented salary revisions for ministers and MLAs.
Appearing for the state, Advocate General Anoop Ratna submitted that the Chief Minister has been apprised of the issue.
The bench observed that withholding funds meant for the judiciary amounts to interference in its functioning — an act punishable under the Contempt of Court Act, 1971. It further directed the government to frame a transparent policy to ensure timely budgetary allocations and regular payments to judicial establishments across the state.
The court’s strong observations highlight the widening gap between the government’s fiscal priorities and its constitutional responsibilities, underscoring the judiciary’s growing impatience with administrative apathy.
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