Nagpur: The Nagpur bench of Bombay high court last week came down sharply on what it termed “misleading” cost reductions and administrative lapses by govt officials that have stalled key judicial infrastructure projects, warning that such delays are undermining citizens’ right to timely justice.Hearing a PIL by Janmanch president Rajiv Jagtap through counsel Pervez Mirza, a division bench comprising Justices Anil Pansare and Nivedita Mehta questioned a big reduction in the estimated cost of constructing a Lawyers’ Hall at the District Court in Gadchiroli — from 2.18 crore to 1.4 crore — calling it an impediment to execution. HC noted the reduction, attributed to the PWD, made it “impossible to move forward” with the project.“It appears that because of the confusion between the PWD officers, the citizens at large are suffering,” the bench observed. The court also raised concerns over a broader pattern, remarking that the govt’s practice of sharply cutting project estimates could be a “strategic move” to show approvals on paper despite insufficient funding. “Such a stand is misleading,” the bench said.In Chandrapur, the bench flagged severe delays in the construction of the district court building. Despite “15 to 20 notices” issued to the contractor, no penalties had been imposed, prompting the court to question the seriousness of enforcement.Highlighting systemic inefficiencies, the bench said delays caused by funding gaps would inevitably escalate project costs, placing an unfair burden on the public exchequer. It directed the PWD secretary to file a detailed affidavit explaining the delay, fund release status and reasons for cost escalation, while also identifying officials responsible. The court also sought comprehensive data on pending and ongoing judicial infrastructure projects across Vidarbha.
