Rs 150 cr allocated for judicial infra development in J&K

Srinagar, Mar 15: The Jammu and Kashmir government has allocated Rs. 150 crore for judicial infrastructure development in the current financial year, with plans to increase the budget to Rs. 250 crore for 2025-26.
These funds are being utilized to modernize court facilities, enhance security, and improve accessibility to justice across the Union Territory, it said.
Responding to an Un-starred Assembly Question No. 352 raised by MLA Waheed-Ur Rehman Para, the government has undertaken various projects under the UT Capex Budget and Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) to ensure timely justice delivery and improved working conditions for legal professionals.
“ The construction of new court buildings and residential accommodations for judges provides a well-equipped environment for judicial proceedings, improving case management and overall efficiency,” it said.
The Government said that establishment of digital computer rooms and Bar Halls assists lawyers and litigants in accessing legal resources efficiently.
“The installation of CCTV cameras across court complexes enhances security for judges, legal practitioners, and the general public. The expansion and upgrade of district and subordinate courts ensure better access to justice, particularly in remote areas,” it said.
The government further said that enhanced legal aid services also contribute to ensuring fair trials and due process, strengthening the overall criminal justice system.
“We have allocated significant funds for these projects. The approved budget for 2024-25 stands at Rs. 150.00 crores, with Rs. 137.00 crores already released by the Finance Department. As of now, Rs. 72.88 crores have been spent on ongoing projects. Currently, 89 judicial works and projects, including 32 new initiatives, are under execution. The proposed budget for the next financial year, 2025-26, has been set at Rs. 250.00 crores,” it said.
The government further said that additional funds have been allocated under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) to support court infrastructure and judicial reforms. These investments are aimed at modernizing legal institutions and ensuring a more efficient and transparent justice system, it added.