Govt takes initiative to build residential buildings for judges

The government has taken the initiative to construct modern and integrated residential buildings in 64 districts and eight metropolitan areas for judicial officers to address their housing crisis.

This issue is not merely a matter of accommodation; it is also linked to their security and judicial independence.

Recently, the Planning Unit of the Law and Justice Division under the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs sent letters to all district and sessions judges and executive engineers of the Public Works Department (PWD), asking them to begin the process of selecting sites for the proposed project titled “Construction of residential buildings for judicial officers in 64 districts and eight metropolitan areas”.

Former district and sessions judges have, meanwhile, welcomed the ministry’s initiative.

They said living in rented houses exposes judges to security risks. It also creates scope for lobbying and surveillance, while increasing the risk of theft and robbery. Therefore, they said, an integrated government housing system for judges is an important initiative.

According to the law ministry, living in rented houses can compromise the overall security of judges and their families because of the sensitive cases they deal with.

In the letter sent on 2 September, the ministry said that 30 to 50 judges of different ranks are currently serving in each district’s civil and criminal courts as well as various specialised tribunals. Except in a few districts, most districts do not have adequate or integrated government housing facilities for judges. As a result, most judges have no option but to live in rented houses, putting their security at risk.

The letter further said that sufficient land is available in many district judgeships for constructing residential buildings. It said that if modern residential complexes of 10 to 15 storeys are constructed, depending on the location, in each district and metropolitan area, making maximum use of the available land, it would be possible to ensure quality accommodation for judicial officers. This would not only help resolve the existing housing crisis but also meet increased demand in the future. It would also be easier to ensure CCTV surveillance, designated entry points and round-the-clock armed police security in the same buildings.

The letter requested district and sessions judges to provide details and site plans of the available land within their respective court compounds or old court or munsif court premises for construction of the buildings. If no suitable land is available, they were asked to identify potential land within a one-kilometre radius of the district judge’s court building that could be acquired for the purpose.

Welcoming the law ministry’s initiative, former senior district and sessions judge Shahjahan Saju said, “Housing is one of the basic necessities of life. The work of judges is extremely difficult and carries great responsibility. They often have to work on judgments until late at night. 

“Living in a rented house is by no means safe. It creates security risks and provides scope for lobbying and surveillance. Even complications may arise if the landlord is involved in litigation.”

He added, “If all judges live together in government quarters at a single location, it will create greater opportunities for camaraderie and exchange of views among them. It will also reduce transport and commuting problems. If the quarters are close to the court, many judges will be able to walk to work. While serving as judges, we too had called for proper housing arrangements.”