The Delhi High Court acknowledged concerns over heavy workload and staff shortages in Delhi’s district courts, ordering an audit of vacancies and work distribution. The court, however, declined to direct registration of a fresh FIR in connection with the suicide of a court staffer at the Saket Courts, noting that statutory proceedings are already underway.
Background of the Case
The matter arose after a 35-year-old court employee, working as an ahlmad (court record keeper), died by suicide on January 9 inside the Saket District Court premises. The staffer, who was differently abled, reportedly cited work pressure and mental stress in a suicide note recovered by the police.
Following the incident, a public interest petition was filed by Anand Legal Aid Forum. The petitioner sought directions to register an FIR, order a judicial inquiry, and fill vacancies in Delhi’s district courts to reduce staff workload.
Court Observations
A Bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia described the incident as “unfortunate” and assured that the High Court administration was actively addressing staff concerns.
“We are conscious of the working conditions. We have ordered an audit of the vacancy position and workload of court staff,” Chief Justice Upadhyaya said during the hearing.
The Bench also questioned reliance on media reports suggesting excessive workload. The Chief Justice pointed out that the deceased had been promoted as an ahlmad only in November and was posted in a fully digitised court.
“To say he was handling 3,000 files attracts public attention, but it is not correct,” the Bench observed, adding that his earlier posting involved more strenuous duties.
On the demand for an FIR, the Court noted that proceedings under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, dealing with unnatural deaths, had already been initiated.
“These proceedings are going on, the post-mortem report is awaited, and further action will depend on their outcome,” the Bench said.
Decision
Recording the assurances given by the High Court administration, the Bench disposed of the petition. It noted that steps are being taken to fill vacancies, rationalise the cadre structure, and redistribute work among court staff. The Court also recorded that permissible relief has been extended to the deceased employee’s family.
“With these observations, the petition is disposed of,” the order stated.
Case Title:- Anand Legal Aid Forum Trust v. High Court & Ors
