High Court Reclaims Malerkotla Guesthouses: Judges Get Priority Housing
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on September 15, 2025, issued a significant order directing the Malerkotla Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police to vacate their official guesthouses and residences. This decision stems from the state government’s failure to fulfil its commitment to provide adequate courtrooms and residential facilities for the District and Sessions Judge.
The court’s action highlights the long-standing issue of insufficient judicial infrastructure in Punjab. The state had promised to provide these facilities when the district and sessions division was established in Malerkotla.
This move underscores the judiciary’s determination to ensure the smooth functioning of the judicial system. The allocation of the guesthouses to the District and Sessions Judge prioritises the needs of the court and its officers.
The lack of proper judicial infrastructure directly impacts access to justice for citizens of Malerkotla. The High Court’s intervention serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for the Punjab government to address this critical infrastructure deficit.