Punjab and Haryana High Court Intervenes in Law Officer Shortage Crisis
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of a critical shortage of law officers, specifically assistant district attorneys, in Haryana's Sirsa district. On Monday, the court emphasized that this deficiency is severely disrupting the smooth functioning of judicial work across the region.
Court Observations on Inadequate Staffing
During the hearing, a division bench led by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu highlighted that the government has failed to appoint a sufficient number of law officers. The bench pointed out that in Sirsa district, 22 courts are operational, but only 12 government lawyers have been appointed. Of these, two are posted in Ambala, leaving effectively just 10 officers to handle the judicial workload, which the court deemed inadequate.
Resource Utilisation and Broader Implications
The court further noted that while a large number of officers are present in the advocate general's office, district postings remain weak. It remarked that only 20%-25% of officers are actively engaged in work, raising serious questions about resource utilisation. This inefficiency, the court stated, directly impacts the administration of justice, causing delays in case hearings and undermining fundamental principles of the justice system.
Directives to State Governments
In response, the bench has issued specific directives:
- The Chief Secretary of Haryana must file a detailed affidavit explaining why sufficient law officers have not been appointed in districts.
- The state of Punjab has been included as a party in the case, with the court acknowledging similar problems in its districts.
- Both states' chief secretaries are required to submit affidavits detailing the district-wise situation.
The court stressed that this issue cannot be ignored as it is intrinsically linked to justice delivery. The next hearing has been scheduled for 15 days from the ruling date.
