In a significant hearing on judicial infrastructure and victim compensation, the Kerala High Court on Monday reviewed gaps in mediation facilities across the state while also taking note of a fresh allocation exceeding ₹11 crore for victim compensation.
Background of the Case
The matter arose from a suo motu writ petition initiated by the High Court itself, focusing on the lack of proper infrastructure in mediation centres across Kerala. The case also became linked with concerns regarding timely disbursal of victim compensation funds.
During the proceedings, the court examined both infrastructural shortcomings and financial allocations, seeking clarity from multiple government departments.
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A bench led by Chief Justice Soumen Sen noted that the State had issued a Government Order authorising additional expenditure of ₹11,08,87,000 for victim compensation.
However, the court was informed of a communication suggesting that the full amount might not be utilised within the current financial year due to delays in bill processing.
Addressing this, the bench observed that timing and coordination between departments were critical. It pointed out that the funds were sanctioned only towards the end of the financial year, which made immediate disbursement difficult.
“The Court noted that there appears to be some miscommunication regarding utilisation of the sanctioned amount,” the order recorded.
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To ensure the funds are not lost, the Finance Department agreed before the court that any unspent portion could be transferred to a Special Treasury Savings Bank Account (Spl. TSB-3).
This would allow the remaining amount to be used in the next financial year (2026–2027), subject to prior intimation by the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KeLSA).
On the issue of mediation infrastructure, the High Court was informed that a proposal worth ₹1.24 crore had already been submitted but was pending with the Law Department.
The bench directed the Law Secretary to forward this proposal, along with details of infrastructural requirements, to the Finance Department without delay.
“The Registrar General shall immediately forward the pending infrastructure issues for consideration,” the bench directed.
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The court issued several key directions:
- The Finance Department must review and act on infrastructure proposals.
- KeLSA must ensure expeditious disbursement of victim compensation.
- Monthly utilisation reports must be submitted to relevant departments.
- The Mediation Committee should consider requests for enhancement of mediator fees.
The court also sought a detailed affidavit from the Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) outlining steps taken on these issues.
The matter has been posted for further hearing on May 25, 2026, with directions for submission of compliance reports and updates on fund utilisation and infrastructure progress.
Case Details
Case Title: Suo Motu Writ Petition (Civil) vs State of Kerala & Others
Case Number: WP(C) No. 42844 of 2025 (with connected case WP(C) No. 48551 of 2025)
Judge: Chief Justice Soumen Sen & Justice Syam Kumar V.M.
Decision Date: March 30, 2026
