Delhi Minister Atishi Takes Swift Action to Address Deplorable Conditions at Rohini Court Complex

Delhi’s Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Atishi expressed her dissatisfaction with the state of the Rohini court building and directed the Principal Secretary (PWD) to formulate a comprehensive annual maintenance contract for the upkeep of the Rohini Court Complex by December 30, 2023.

In a letter addressed to the Principal Secretary (PWD), Delhi Minister Atishi remarked, “Yesterday, I, along with Justice Rekha Palli, visited the Rohini Court Complex as part of the Building Maintenance and Construction Committee (Rohini Court Complex) after receiving numerous complaints from Judges and Lawyers regarding the inadequate management of the facilities in the court complex.”

“I was appalled to witness the deteriorated condition of the court building. The entire structure faced significant seepage issues, with water permeating through the walls and ceiling. Consequently, the walls were damp and soiled, with paint and cement peeling off,” she added.

PWD Minister Atishi further pointed out the poor condition of false ceilings within the premises, highlighting missing panels and dangling wires.

“The restroom facilities, particularly the ladies’ toilets, were unsanitary and unhygienic. Upon inspecting the basement of the building, it was evident that it was in a dilapidated state. Electrical fittings were absent, and the stairs were inadequately illuminated and damaged. Given that the Rohini Court Complex is utilized by a significant number of Judges, lawyers, and their judicial staff, it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that they do not encounter any inconvenience while fulfilling their duties,” Atishi emphasized.

“Moreover, the Court receives thousands of individuals daily, seeking resolution to their legal matters. These individuals, already facing grievances, come in search of justice. Further inconveniencing them would be inhumane,” she added.

Minister Atishi highlighted that maintaining such buildings is a shared responsibility of the PWD and the Law Department.

Minister Atishi proposed that many of the issues could be addressed by implementing a comprehensive facility management system, such as an Annual Maintenance Contract, which would enable the facility manager to address day-to-day challenges faced by judges, lawyers, and the general public in real-time.

“The Principal Secretary (PWD) is instructed to present a draft of a comprehensive annual maintenance contract for the upkeep of the Rohini Court Complex, in consultation with the Principal Secretary (Law), by December 30,” noted the PWD Minister Atishi.

She emphasized that once the draft is prepared, a similar maintenance approach should be adopted for all court complexes in Delhi.