SC directs improvement of infrastructure, appointment of management professional in courts

The Supreme Court today issued a slew of guidelines, including appointing management professionals as court masters, for effective administration of judicial works and improvement of infrastructure in courts across the country.

The apex court said that a sound infrastructure is the linchpin of a strong and stable judicial system and directed a number of measures, including professionally qualified court managers, electronic case display, CCTV cameras at proper locations within the court complex, video conference equipments, electricity, sufficient parking space, connectivity to jails and dispensary etc.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud said that court masters, preferably with an MBA degree, be appointed in judicial districts to assist in court administration.

The apex court directed Chief Secretaries of all the states to constitute a committee, which will include a members of Secretary of the Department of Law and an officer from the High Court of the respective state, to formulate development plan.

The bench sought a status report in this regard while listing the matter for further hearing on August 23.

"It needs to be understood that without a robust infrastructure, the judiciary would not be able to function at its optimum level and, in turn, would fail to deliver the desired results," the court said, adding that "a court complex is not just a building. It is the building of justice which breathes and infuses life into the exalted and sublime ideals of justice."