Overview

• A division bench led by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry dismissed Punjab’s bid to recall its September 12 order directing the Malerkotla DC and SSP to vacate government accommodations for judicial use.
• Justice secretary Gurpreet Singh Khaira appeared virtually and apologized after being summoned to explain a filing the court said contained objectionable content bordering on contempt.
• The court said the state must either challenge the order before a higher court or comply with it, rejecting a request for two months to demonstrate progress on new housing.
• The bench recorded that despite Malerkotla becoming a district in 2021 and a sessions division in 2023, the state has acknowledged no suitable residences exist for judicial officers.
• Punjab cited a September 2 Building Committee resolution and said 13.60 kanals have been earmarked with plans submitted on September 23, but the court said it had already considered this and listed the matter for compliance in the week beginning November 17.