CHANDIGARH, Dec 24 — The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Wednesday recorded compliance by the Punjab government after being informed that two government properties in Malerkotla had been vacated and earmarked for judicial use.
A Bench led by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu noted that the PWD Guest House and the official residence currently occupied by the SSP had been vacated and allotted for use by the District and Sessions Judge.
The court took on record a compliance report along with letters issued by the Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate, Malerkotla, both dated Dec. 19, observing that its earlier directions “stand complied with.”
The Bench clarified that the District and Sessions Judge, Sangrur, who is presently in charge of the Sessions Division of Malerkotla, would be free to use the accommodations for either residential or courtroom purposes.
Responding to submissions on timelines, the Chief Justice said the interim arrangement would continue without rigid time restrictions but would remain subject to further orders of the court.
The court was also informed that steps were underway to address the issue permanently. According to the state, construction of a permanent courtroom complex and residential accommodation for judicial officers in Malerkotla is in progress, with more than seven residential units being built in addition to the Sessions Judge’s residence.
The High Court’s directions followed repeated concern over the lack of official housing for judicial officers across Punjab. In earlier hearings, the Bench had noted that district and sessions judges in Moga, Mohali and Pathankot were still living in requisitioned premises despite the districts having existed for years.
“Why is it so? This is not only strange but shocking,” Chief Justice Nagu had remarked earlier while granting the state limited time to comply.
The court had directed the immediate vacation of government guesthouses and official residences to ensure functional judicial infrastructure until permanent arrangements were completed.
