The Bombay High Court directed the Maharashtra government to prioritize the construction of a new building, reiterating its request for progress updates. The bench also said the matter should not be taken lightly and urged the government to comprehend the challenges faced by the judiciary due to these constraints. Even a simple oath-taking ceremony is impacted by the lack of space, and the government must prioritize this matter.
Mumbai, Maharashtra: On Thursday, March 28th, the Bombay High Court emphasized the need for the Maharashtra government to take the construction of the new High Court building more seriously. The court issued this directive after the government sought additional time to file an affidavit detailing the progress made towards the construction project.
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The court’s bench, comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Arif Doctor, expressed dissatisfaction when the Maharashtra government requested more time to submit a detailed affidavit outlining the steps taken towards the construction project.
In response to the government’s request, the bench stated,
“We have been requesting and requesting. Don’t compel us to pass drastic orders. You are under contempt, and you understand this. Why not file a simple affidavit? You could not state what you have done so far?”
The court emphasized
The matter should not be taken lightly and urged the government to comprehend the challenges faced by the judiciary due to these constraints. Even a simple oath-taking ceremony is impacted by the lack of space, and it is imperative for the government to prioritize this matter.
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Expressing surprise at the government’s request for additional time, the bench questioned the need for delays in filing an affidavit containing details of the work done so far.
It remarked, “From where do you have to dig out this information? Some archives? Is it information that will take four weeks? You are required to file a simple affidavit to state what has been done. It is all just required to be stated on an affidavit.”
Advocate Ahmed Abdi, representing the petitioner Bombay Lawyers Association, has been persistently requesting the court direct the state to provide a timeline for the construction of the new building. Conversely, the state government has opposed these submissions, assuring the court of its commitment to fulfilling the promise.
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The court had initially directed the state government in January 2019 to decide on offering a plot of land for the construction of the new High Court complex. Subsequently, in May 2023, the government asked the high court administration to take possession of specific land in Bandra East.
However, as of March 11, it was revealed that the land was still occupied by government officials’ staff quarters, including some working in the High Court.
On March 28, the court issued its directive for the state government to outline the actions it intends to take regarding the construction of the new court building.
