[Judicial Vista] Government's duty no doubt, but matter of executive domain: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Friday expressed its inability to interfere with the powers of the executive and the Chief Justice of India (CJI) on the administrative side, in a plea seeking setting up of a 'Judicial Vista'. [Ardhendumauli Kumar Prasad v Supreme Court of India & Ors.].A bench of Justices BR Gavai and PS Narasimha observed that even though the government may have a duty to develop the infrastructure around the top court, it is still a matter that remains in the domain of the Executive. "It is the duty of the government no doubt, but this is in executive domain," Justice Gavai orally remarked..The bench further stated that even though the Union Law Minister and the CJI spoke at various conferences about a national body to improve and cater to judicial infrastructure, more consultation would be required to drive the issue forward."This is a matter on the administrative side, how can we direct? We have limited jurisdiction, we hear about this so much in conferences of CJI and Law Minister," the bench remarked..Justice Gavai reiterated the same when the petitioner argued that the matter was a constitutional obligation of the government as it comes under the right to work with dignity"Constitutional obligation to give you chambers? This has to be decided on administrative side, we can't encroach on CJI's powers," the Court said..The Court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) petition moved by Supreme Court lawyer Ardhendumauli Kumar Prasad, who appeared in person today, seeking the creation of 'Judicial Vista' around the existing premises of the top court, as well as a central authority to fund judicial infrastructure.The petition cited the space crunch in the existing premises for judges, advocates as well as litigants. The petitioner, therefore, prayed for the redevelopment of the area around the top court as a Judicial Vista.The plea also sought creation of a centrally-regulated authority, funded entirely out of the Consolidated Fund of India, to allocate resources for the development of judicial infrastructure of courts and tribunals across the country.Pointing out that the workload and number of judges, advocates and litigants have only increased whereas the size of the premises has not, the plea called for the construction of:A multi-level complex with 45-50 courtrooms and 5,000 chambers for lawyers;10,000 car capacity underground parking facility;Adequate office, working and waiting space for law officers, advocates, standing counsel etc;Library, medical and photocopying facilities;Dedicated office space for all lawyer associations and bar councilsThe top court had earlier said that the demand for creation of proper infrastructure around the existing premises of the Supreme Court is a logical and necessary step to enable it to effectively carry out its judicial functions.It had urged the Central government to look into the inadequacy and shortcomings of the Supreme Court building and surrounding infrastructure, and come up with a plan to address the issue.A bench of Justices Vineet Saran and JK Maheshwari had also highlighted how the Supreme Court corridors are horribly overcrowded, which prompts the judges of the top court to stay away from it."We don't go around in corridors, it’s horrible!" Justice Saran had said..At today's hearing, Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj informed that the issue is being constantly monitored. The matter will be considered again after a month..[Follow our coverage of the hearing]