The Unbuilt Promise: Supreme Court Lashes Out at Punjab Over Malerkotla's Missing Courts

In the often-stoic halls of the Supreme Court, a palpable frustration, even exasperation, has been simmering. And now, it seems, that frustration has boiled over, directed squarely at the Punjab government. Imagine, if you will, a district declared three years ago, yet still lacking the fundamental pillars of its justice system. Yes, we’re talking about Malerkotla, a place where the promise of a functioning judiciary, in truth, remains frustratingly unfulfilled.

The top court, with a clarity that left little room for misinterpretation, recently delivered a scathing indictment. They weren't just displeased; they absolutely lambasted the state for what can only be described as a shocking neglect of judicial infrastructure. We're not just talking about a minor oversight here; this is about the very foundations of law and order – actual court buildings, proper spaces for proceedings, and crucially, homes for the judges who serve there. It's an oversight that frankly, beggars belief.

Justice Hima Kohli, among others, didn't mince words. The judges, you see, are compelled to travel significant distances, or perhaps, operate from less-than-ideal temporary setups, all because the state simply hasn't gotten its act together. But think about it for a moment: how can justice be served efficiently, with dignity, when its very architecture is missing? It's a question that echoes, really, through the very fabric of governance.

This isn’t a new saga, mind you. The Punjab government has, reportedly, been given ample time, more than a fair share of warnings and deadlines. Yet, the wheels of progress in Malerkotla, when it comes to erecting these essential judicial structures, have turned at an agonizingly slow pace, or perhaps, not at all. It’s almost as if the urgency of the situation somehow eludes them.

And the Supreme Court, for its part, is no longer in a mood for excuses. Their message was crystal clear: ensuring a robust judicial framework isn't some optional add-on; it is a non-negotiable, fundamental duty of any state government. For once, the court isn't just seeking answers; they're demanding swift, concrete action. Because ultimately, when courts are delayed and judges are left without proper facilities, it isn't just an administrative lapse – it’s a profound disservice to the citizens who rely on the justice system every single day. And that, truly, is the crux of the matter.