Lok Sabha Question No. 2384 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-13
Subject: Shortage of Official Residential Accommodation for Judicial Officers in Bihar
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Shri Janardan Singh Sigriwal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2384 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 13 th  FEBRUARY, 2026

## SHORTAGE OF OFFICIAL RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION FOR JUDICIAL OFFICERS IN BIHAR

## 2384. SHRI JANARDAN SINGH SIGRIWAL:

Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  the  persistent  shortage  of  official  residential accommodation for judicial officers in the district courts/lower courts in Bihar, which adversely impacts their working conditions and personal well-being, if so, the details thereof, district-wise;

(b)  whether  the  Government  has  conducted  any  assessment  of  the  specific  accommodation requirements  of  women  judicial  officers,  including  safety,  privacy  and  proximity  to  court complexes, if so, the findings thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  allocate  additional  funds  or  initiate  any  special scheme  to  ensure  adequate  and  gender-sensitive  residential  accommodation  for  all  judicial officers, especially women, in the district/lower courts in Bihar, if so, the timeline and specific measures proposed in this regard and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(d)  the  steps  taken  or  proposed  to  be  taken  by  the  Government  to  improve  overall  judicial infrastructure in Bihar with emphasis on ensuring safe, adequate and gender-responsive housing for women judicial officers?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

## (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)

(a) to (d): The primary responsibility for development of Infrastructure Facilities for District and  Subordinate  Courts  rests  with  the  State  Governments/UTs.  However,  to  augment  the resources  of  the  State  Governments/UTs,  the  Central  Government  has  been  implementing  a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for the Development of Infrastructure Facilities for District

and Subordinate courts since 1993-94, by providing financial assistance to them in the prescribed fund-sharing pattern between the Centre and States. In the case of State of Bihar, it is in the ratio of 60:40. There are five components covered under the scheme viz. Court Halls, Residential Units for Judicial Officers, Lawyer's Halls, Toilet Complexes and Digital Computer Rooms.

As informed by the Registrar (Administration), High Court of Judicature at Patna, the Judicial Infrastructure facility including Residential Units for Judicial Officers is monitored by the High Court of Judicature at Patna. Further, the State Government of Bihar take necessary measures to provide security arrangements in the Residential Complexes in coordination with the High Court of Judicature at Patna.

An amount of Rs.651.22 crore (upto 31.01.2026) has been released to the State of Bihar under  CSS  for  Development  of  Infrastructure  Facilities  for  District  and  Subordinate  since inception of the scheme, out of which Rs.595.62 crore has been released since 2014-15. For financial year 2025-26, a sum of Rs.62.98 crore has been released to the State Government of Bihar (as on 31.01.2026). As per Nyaya Vikas portal, the State of Bihar has 1,290 Residential Units against working strength of 1,665 as on 31.01.2026. Further, 346 Residential Units are under construction as on 31.01.2026.

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