The Bombay High Court bench at Goa has directed the State government to extend air conditioning facilities in district courts to include the supporting staff, observing that they form the backbone of the judiciary. A Division Bench of Justices Bharati Dangre and Nivedita Mehta noted that in the newly constructed court complex at Merces, North Goa, air conditioning had already been provided for judicial officers, public prosecutors, and lawyers, but the same facility had not been extended to the 452 members of the supporting staff, including stenographers, clerks, court managers, bailiffs, peons, and nazirs.
Emphasizing the importance of judicial infrastructure, the court held that an efficient justice delivery system cannot be limited to well-built courtrooms alone but must also include a conducive and comfortable working environment for the staff. The judges highlighted that the judiciary, being the protector of citizens’ rights, requires adequate infrastructure to function at its optimum level. Court complexes, they said, should not become stressful places, but rather be conducive, friendly, and efficient spaces that enhance the productivity of everyone involved in the justice delivery system.
The bench further underlined the indispensable role of the supporting staff, noting that although their work often goes unnoticed behind the four walls of the courtrooms, their contribution is integral to the functioning of the judicial system. Without their assistance, it would be difficult for courts to perform their duties effectively. In this sense, the staff stand on an equal footing with judges, lawyers, and litigants in ensuring that justice is delivered promptly and efficiently.
Relying on constitutional principles, the judges invoked Articles 14 and 21 to stress that access to justice and the right to a speedy trial can only be realized through adequate infrastructure for all stakeholders—litigants, judges, lawyers, and staff alike. The bench found it discriminatory and unreasonable for the State to provide facilities to some sections while excluding others. Such treatment, it held, undermines the constitutional guarantee of equality before the law and risks creating the impression that supporting staff are treated as inferior within an institution committed to upholding equality.
Rejecting the State’s argument of financial constraints, the bench made it clear that the government’s duty to strengthen judicial infrastructure cannot be compromised on such grounds. It directed the State Government to introduce and operationalize air conditioning facilities in all wings and workspaces of the District and Subordinate Courts for both judicial and non-judicial staff within six months, and in any case, no later than February 2026. The court also directed that, if necessary, the government should augment additional power supply, even if it entails extra expenditure, since such investment ultimately benefits the administration of justice.
In its 37-page judgment, the bench reiterated that supporting staff are the true backbone of the judiciary and that their welfare is inseparable from the effective functioning of courts. Ensuring an equitable and comfortable work environment for them, the judges concluded, directly strengthens the justice delivery system and upholds the constitutional values of equality and fairness.
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