State focuses on court infrastructure, computerization, and free legal assistance; new NIA court proposed in Jagdalpur.
Published on: March 13, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Raipur, India
The Chhattisgarh government has allocated more than ₹1,221.26 crore for the Department of Law and Legislative Affairs in the 2026–27 state budget, emphasizing judicial infrastructure, modernization of courts, and expansion of free legal aid services. Presenting the budget demand in the state assembly, Law and Legislative Affairs Minister Gajendra Yadav said the allocation aims to strengthen the justice delivery system and ensure that legal services reach every section of society.
The budget proposal, which was approved by the House, includes several measures to improve court infrastructure and administrative capacity across the state. According to the minister, the government has prioritized the construction of court buildings and residential facilities for judicial officers and staff. A total of ₹88.63 crore has been earmarked in the current financial year for the development of judicial infrastructure at various locations across the state.
Push for Court Modernization and Computerization
The government is also taking steps toward modernization of the judiciary through increased digitization and computerization of courts. An amount of ₹15 crore has been allocated for this purpose during the financial year 2026–27.
Several legal assistance programs are being implemented under the guidance of the judiciary through the Chhattisgarh State Legal Services Authority, the High Court Legal Services Committee, district legal services authorities, and taluka legal services committees. These initiatives aim to ensure access to justice for undertrial prisoners, women, members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and economically weaker sections.
To support these schemes, the government has allocated ₹2.5 crore in the budget. Additionally, ₹2.4 crore has been earmarked for the construction of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) centres to promote faster settlement of disputes.
Free Legal Aid for Thousands
The minister said that the legal services authorities provide free legal aid to eligible individuals including members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, women, children, economically weaker sections, and undertrial prisoners. In 2025 alone, a total of 94,959 eligible individuals received free and effective legal assistance through these services.
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For the administrative arrangements related to the High Court of Chhattisgarh, the state government has proposed the creation of 100 new posts with a budget provision of ₹9 crore in the 2026–27 financial year.
New NIA Court in Jagdalpur
In a significant move aimed at strengthening the judicial framework in the Bastar region, the government has proposed the establishment of a new National Investigation Agency court in Jagdalpur. A budget provision of ₹1 crore has been made for setting up the court.
Creation of New Posts in District Courts
The state government has also announced the creation of several new posts across various district courts to enhance their operational capacity. These include six posts for the civil court in Dhamdha, six posts for the district court in Bemetara, 55 posts for the district court in Mahasamund, 18 posts for the district court in Bilaspur, seven posts for the district court in Pankhajur, nine posts for the district court in Korba, six posts for the district court in Jagdalpur, and three posts for the district court in Janjgir-Champa.
In addition, 40 posts will be created in civil district courts located in Durg, Raipur, Bilaspur, Ambikapur, and Jagdalpur. Furthermore, 23 translator posts will be created—one in each district court—to facilitate judicial proceedings and documentation.
Support for Legal Services and Legal Education
To ensure that financially disadvantaged individuals are not deprived of justice in criminal cases, the government has set aside ₹1 crore for providing effective free legal services.
The state government has also allocated ₹1 crore to support students of Hidayatullah National Law University to participate in international moot court competitions. Additionally, ₹13.5 crore has been earmarked for the university’s establishment and operational expenses.
Officials say the budget represents a significant step toward strengthening judicial infrastructure, promoting modernization of courts, and ensuring that access to justice is available to all sections of society, particularly marginalized communities.
