Calcutta High Court Mandates Operational Creche Within 30 Days After Seven-Year Legal Battle
In a significant development for childcare accessibility in judicial settings, the Calcutta High Court has issued a directive to make a creche on its premises functional within 30 days. This decision comes seven years after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was initially filed by lawyers seeking such a facility.
Court's Comprehensive Directives for Creche Implementation
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen delivered the ruling on Thursday. The bench emphasized that the creche, which is already "ready for use", must be made operational promptly. To ensure transparency and proper management, the High Court administration has been instructed to publish creche service guidelines on its official website within three weeks.
Key infrastructure and staffing requirements were also outlined in the court's order:
- The Public Works Department (PWD) is tasked with installing aluminium grilles within two weeks to secure the facility.
- The state government must ensure the appointment of two doctors and a nurse, who are required to report to the High Court administration one day prior to the creche's opening.
Historical Context and Previous Delays
The PIL was originally filed in 2019 by three High Court lawyers, highlighting the need for childcare support for court employees and advocates. The matter was first taken up on December 8, 2020, by then Chief Justice Thottathil B Radhakrishnan and Justice Arijit Banerjee. During these proceedings, it was revealed that a room on the fourth floor of the sesquicentenary building had been designated for the creche.
However, the administration cited the non-availability of trained attendants and paediatricians as the primary reason for the delay in opening the facility. Progress was noted on August 9, 2021, when then acting Chief Justice Rajesh Bindal and Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj were informed that the health secretary had sanctioned a paediatrician's post, along with a supporting staff nurse and a nodal officer. The court reiterated that the creche was intended for use by employees, advocates, and staff of the advocates.
Broader Implications and Judicial Emphasis on Childcare
In February 2025, Justices BV Nagarathna and Prasanna B Varale underscored the importance of dedicated childcare spaces in public buildings. They urged the state to provide such units, reflecting a growing judicial recognition of the need for supportive infrastructure for working parents. This recent directive aligns with those broader efforts, ensuring that the Calcutta High Court sets a precedent for other institutions.
The court's firm timeline and specific requirements aim to overcome past administrative hurdles and deliver a much-needed resource to the legal community in Kolkata. This move is expected to enhance work-life balance for court personnel and advocates, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment within the judiciary.
