CJs to get more financial powers

It was decided that 8220;Chief Justice of the High Court be delegated full powers to appropriate and re-appropriate the funds out of the budget allocated by the state for the judiciary8221;. Until now, this power was vested with the state Government.

The decision was arrived at after most of the CJs lamented that despite this proposal being considered on two earlier conferences, the power of appropriation and re-appropriation was yet to be given to them.

Complaining that they have to go back to the state Government every time the funds are required to be disbursed, the CJs highlighted how this was hampering functioning of the high courts.

It was stressed that states 8220;consistent with their financial resources8221; shall provide adequate budgetary allocation for the judiciary.

The increased allocation of funds would be used for upgrading and augmenting the infrastructure of subordinate courts by replacing dilapidated buildings, upgrading existing complexes and constructing new complexes, wherever required. It would be used for constructing residential quarters for judicial officers, it was agreed on. The money would also be utilised for enhancing the use of IT tools.