On Tuesday, Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam of the Calcutta High Court criticized the state government for failing to allocate sufficient funds to support the daily operations of district courts.

During the hearing of a case concerning the restoration of Kolkata's tram system, the division bench, which also included Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya, was informed that the Consul General of India had made a request to have two trams from Kolkata transported to Vancouver, Canada, for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Upon learning that the state government would need to allocate a significant amount of funds to restore these trams before transporting them, the Chief Justice expressed strong disapproval. He remarked:

"Very sorry state of affairs. Today afternoon there is no money for purchase of paper in any of the district courts. No money has been sanctioned for purchase of cartridges. The advocates are purchasing paper and giving it to the departments in the district courts. We will not allow this...there are more than 40 proposals of the HC pending.''

''You disregard everything. You please tell the advocate general that if monies don't flow, I will take it up on the judicial side. I don't want to put all of you in embarrassment. This is taking it too far. The district judges are begging with the advocates and counsel clerks for supplying paper..."

"This will become a big tug-o-war, no matters will move. If any contempt matters come, rule will be issued. One to one meetings I have held Chief Seceratary, Finance secretary, everybody took notes, nothing happened. Its six weeks now. If you want the bull to be caught by the horns, I am ready to take individual responsibility. You do whatever you want. I have got probably another 100 days to go, but this is too much. Every zonal judge calls and tells the Registrar that there is no stationary...," he added.