in5points
Current AffairsPolityPIBprelims

Centre Strengthens Judicial Infrastructure in Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh

UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity

PolityJudiciarySchemes

Why in news

The Union Law Minister informed Lok Sabha about the progress of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for judicial infrastructure in Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh. Data on court halls, residential units, and funds released up to May 2026 were provided.

Background

The Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for development of infrastructure for district and subordinate courts has been implemented since 1993-94. It covers five components: court halls, residential units for judicial officers, lawyer halls, toilet complexes, and digital computer rooms.

Key facts

in5points

  1. As of 31 May 2026, Karnataka has 1278 court halls against sanctioned strength of 1398, and 1199 residential units.

  2. Himachal Pradesh has 180 court halls against sanctioned strength of 192, and 161 residential units.

  3. In the last five years, Karnataka completed 586 court halls and 129 residential units; 218 court halls and 46 units are under construction.

  4. Himachal Pradesh completed 4 court halls and 0 residential units; 36 court halls and 5 units are under construction.

  5. Funds released to Karnataka: ₹27 crore (2021-22), ₹82.01 crore (2022-23), ₹133.16 crore (2023-24), ₹73.92 crore (2024-25), ₹34.09 crore (2025-26).

  6. Funds released to Himachal Pradesh: ₹0 (2021-22, 2022-23), ₹6 crore (2023-24), ₹13.62 crore (2024-25), ₹12.25 crore (2025-26).

  7. For FY 2026-27, mother sanctions issued: Karnataka ₹5.33 crore, Himachal Pradesh ₹5.195 crore.

  8. Under e-Court Phase III, Karnataka HC received ₹151.73 crore and Himachal HC received ₹20.66 crore for digital infrastructure.

Prelims pointers

  • Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for judicial infrastructure
  • Started in 1993-94
  • Five components: court halls, residential units, lawyer halls, toilet complexes, digital computer rooms
  • e-Court Mission Mode Project Phase III
  • Karnataka High Court, Himachal Pradesh High Court
  • Ministry of Law and Justice
  • Lok Sabha question
  • MIS Portal and Nyay Vikas Portal

Mains angles

  • GS2: Role of judiciary and judicial reforms – infrastructure challenges
  • GS2: Centrally Sponsored Schemes – design, implementation, and state-wise disparities
  • GS2: e-Courts project and digital transformation of judiciary