Existing HC Building has Heritage Value, should be Preserved Properly: Bombay HC

The Bombay High Court recently emphasized that the existing building housing the court holds significant archaeological and heritage value, and should be conserved with minimal impact.

The Court, therefore, urged both the State government and the High Court administration to expeditiously relocate the High Court to the proposed site in Bandra.

This move aims to mitigate any damage to the current structure caused by heavy footfall.

A bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Arif Doctor made these observations during the hearing of a plea related to the allocation of land for the construction of the new court complex. The bench highlighted the historical significance of the 150-year-old building, underscoring its archaeological importance and the imperative to preserve its heritage. The bench stressed the necessity of maintaining the building’s integrity due to the substantial number of visitors.

The petitioner, advocate Ahmad Abdi later approached the High Court seeking contempt of court action against the government for non-compliance with the 2019 order on land allotment.

Maharashtra Advocate General Dr Birendra Saraf informed the Court on March 30 of the government’s decision to allocate 30.16 acres of land in Bandra for the new court building.

Subsequently, on May 25, 2023, the Court directed the High Court Registrar to appoint a representative to take possession of the designated land. During the recent hearing, the Advocate General informed the Court that a high-powered committee (HPC) was actively overseeing all aspects pertaining to the construction of the new building. This committee comprises representatives from the High Court Chief Justice, the Chief Minister, and principal secretaries from various State departments. The Advocate General requested the Court to grant the committee sufficient time to deliberate and arrive at a comprehensive decision.

Taking the Advocate General’s request into account, the Chief Justice adjourned the proceedings for three weeks, expressing optimism that the HPC would reach a definitive conclusion by then. Additionally, the Court recommended that the State government expedite the process of changing the land’s designated usage from ‘residential’ to ‘commercial.’

The Court reassured the petitioner that if necessary, it would seek an affidavit detailing the HPC’s progress.

The next hearing is scheduled for August 30, 2023.