Explore Alternative Site For Construction Of New HC Building: Punjab & Haryana High Court Tells UT Administration

Considering the increasing footfall and space constraints, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Chandigarh Union Territory (UT) Administration to explore alternative locations for the construction of a new High Court building.

The High Court of Punjab and Haryana is located in the capital city of Chandigarh in the foot hills of Shivalik Range, it was designed by the famous French Architect Le Corbusier and thus boasts of being an architectural marvel.

Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry said, "U.T. Administration is further directed to explore searching an alternative site for construction of new building for the High Court in I.T. Park area within Chandigarh."

The Court clarified that the said direction is being given since 15 acre of land allotted to the High Court and the additional 33 acres of land proposed to be allotted to the High Court in village Sarangpur may not be practical since access to village Sarangpur is restricted and often blocked by the traffic congestion at PGIMER square.

The Court was hearing a batch of petitions pertaining to issues including Construction of Verandah in front of Chief Justice Court (Court Room No.1), parking lot for the High Court, Allotment of additional building or administrative Branches of the High Court.

During the hearing the Senior Standing Counsel for U.T. Administration assured that revised drawings of the said Verandah have been finalized and the construction work shall be completed by August 25.

The Supreme Court in May upheld the directions issued by the High Court to construct a verandah in front of Court Room No.1 and to develop the kutcha parking area within the High Court premises with green pavers and tree plantation.

It dismissed the challenge raised by the Chandigarh Administration and held that the construction of the verandah does not violate UNESCO guidelines related to world heritage sites.

The Punjab & Haryana High Court was built for limited number of courtrooms and started functioning in 1955 with the strength of 8 judges. The number later increased to 13 after the States Reorganisation Act of 1956 merged the Patiala and East Punjab States Union (PEPSU) with Punjab, incorporating the PEPSU High Court's judges into the Punjab High Court.

However, it has expanded with the sanctioned strength of Judges of 85 judges consisting of 64 Permanent and 21 Additional Judges including Chief Justice.

Title: Vinod Dhattewal and others v. Union of India and others

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