The Supreme Court on Friday sharply criticised the AAP-led Punjab government for failing to create even basic judicial infrastructure in the newly formed Malerkotla district, while allegedly diverting central funds meant for the judiciary. The Bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi said the State had repeatedly ignored directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and appeared more interested in constructing residential quarters for its own officials than in building courtrooms and accommodation for judges. If we order an inquiry, we will find that they have already consumed the central grant for other purposes. They are building houses for themselves but cannot construct courts,” Justice Kant observed. The court was hearing Punjab’s appeal against High Court orders directing the State to provide judicial infrastructure and transit accommodation for officers in Malerkotla. Punjab Advocate General Maninderjit Singh Bedi said posts and facilities had been created and infrastructure was underway. Senior Advocate Abhishek Singhvi argued that the High Court’s criticism was unwarranted and the issue was limited to establishing a court in the district. Justice Kant disagreed. “You don’t know what is happening in Punjab. Even when the Centre sanctions funds, they don’t even allocate a site. They have enough money to spend on many other things,” he remarked. The Bench also questioned the political logic behind creating Malerkotla district without planning basic infrastructure. “It was only for political appeasement. You say you need a house for an SP but not for a sessions judge?” Justice Kant asked. Justice Bagchi noted that court infrastructure largely depends on centrally sponsored schemes, and state contributions are “either delayed or diverted,” stressing the need for systematic budgetary commitments. “It’s not even one percent of the GDP at present,” he remarked. Sensing the mood, Singhvi sought permission to withdraw the appeal and approach the High Court again with a detailed status report. The Bench allowed withdrawal and asked the High Court to consider the State’s request for an extension. The High Court had earlier flagged that although Malerkotla was declared a district in June 2021 and a sessions division approved in August 2023, no permanent courtrooms or residences had been built. It directed administrative approval for additional courtrooms and ordered that the Deputy Commissioner’s guest house and another residence occupied by the SSP be vacated for judicial use.