Rekha Kakkar
Updated on: October 13, 2024 5:46 pm GMT
In a significant step toward modernizing the judiciary’s infrastructure, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjay Chandrachud laid the foundation stone for a new Bombay High Court complex in Mumbai’s Bandra East on Monday. This initiative reflects a collaborative effort between the judiciary and the government to enhance public access and facilities within the justice system.
CJI Emphasizes Independence and Collaboration
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, CJI Chandrachud underscored the importance of independence for judges while highlighting the necessity for them to support government projects that benefit the broader public. He stated, “Judges must exercise their functions with the fiercest sense of independence. But when on the administrative side, we must stand by the government for such projects which are for everyone and not just private projects for judges alone.”
This project, driven by collaboration with state authorities, aims to address long-standing issues of space and accessibility within the existing Bombay High Court facility, which has served the community for over a century.
A New Chapter for the Bombay High Court
The new complex will be constructed on approximately 30.16 acres of land, with the first phase encompassing about 4.39 acres now officially handed over. The plan comes in response to a 2019 ruling where the High Court requested the Maharashtra government to provide a new site due to ongoing space constraints in the present 150-year-old structure located in Fort.
CJI Chandrachud expressed his vision for the new building, emphasizing inclusivity and universal design. He stated, “It should not be accessible only for people with disabilities but also for children and the elderly.” His comments reflect a broader understanding that the judiciary is evolving with demographic changes, especially as more women enter legal professions.
Highlighting Accessibility and Inclusive Space
- The new complex will prioritize accessibility for all demographics.
- Special attention will be given to creating safe and gender-neutral workspaces.
- Aiming to foster equal opportunity, the infrastructure will be designed to accommodate an increasing number of female legal professionals.
In addition, CJI Chandrachud noted the recent translation of thousands of judicial judgments into local languages. “Our idea is to ensure that our work as judges is taken to the doorstep of the people,” he remarked, aiming to make constitutional values more accessible to the general populace.
Preserving Heritage and Addressing Infrastructure Concerns
The building’s heritage was also a point of emphasis. During the ceremony, Justice Abhay Oka urged the government to maintain the existing High Court building as a historical site. “Even if the HC is moved to a new building, the present building should remain with the judiciary. We can have a museum or an arbitration center there,” he stated.
Justice Oka also pointed out the need for improvement in trial court infrastructure across Maharashtra, criticizing the lag in facilities for lower courts. He urged the government to look closely at trial courts in neighboring states to set a benchmark for improvement.
Government Support and Future Plans
During the event, Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the judiciary’s infrastructure projects. “The government will always be supporting the judiciary when it comes to new infrastructure or any other projects like digitization of courts,” he stated.
He also addressed the concerning rise in crimes against women in the state, emphasizing the need for a strengthened justice system that efficiently addresses these challenges.
Transportation and Traffic Updates
As the festivities for laying the foundation stone took place, the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) saw several road closures to accommodate the event. Authorities issued advisories for commuters to take alternative routes, urging them to remain attentive to traffic changes throughout the day.
- The road closures included New English School Road connecting Ramkrishna Paramhansa Marg and JL Shirsekar Marg.
- Motorists were advised to use Mahatma Gandhi Vidya Mandir Road as an alternative.
- Traffic restrictions are expected to be lifted by 9 PM.
Conclusion
The ceremony to start building the new Bombay High Court complex is an important event for India’s legal system. Chief Justice Dhananjay Chandrachud talked about looking ahead and making sure the courts stay independent. He also highlighted the need for teamwork to help more people get access to justice. With strong backing from the state government, this project hopes to make visiting the court better for everyone while honoring the history of the current building.
