The Calcutta High Court has adopted a new official address after Kolkata Municipal Corporation renamed Esplanade Row (West) to honor Radhabinod Pal. The historic neo-Gothic landmark now stands at 3, Justice Radhabinod Pal Sarani, Kolkata, West Bengal, PIN 700001.
KOLKATA: In a significant symbolic gesture, the historic neo-Gothic structure of the Calcutta High Court the oldest high court in India has officially adopted a new postal address following the renaming of the road it occupies. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation enacted this change by renaming “Esplanade Row (West)” to “Justice Radhabinod Pal Sarani.”
As per a notification from the high court’s registrar general, the court’s updated official address is now: 3, Justice Radhabinod Pal Sarani, Kolkata, West Bengal, PIN – 700001.
A 150-Year-Old Landmark
The Calcutta High Court building, renowned for its striking neo-Gothic design, was erected in 1872 just a decade after the court’s establishment. The architect behind this notable edifice was Walter Granville, a British designer contracted by the colonial government, who drew inspiration from the 13th-century Cloth Hall in Ypres, Belgium.
This building serves not only as a vital judicial institution of national importance but also stands as a heritage monument, having witnessed significant phases in India’s history including colonial rule, independence, and the development of Indian democracy.
Tribute to Justice Radhabinod Pal
The road’s renaming honors Justice Radhabinod Pal (1886–1967), a distinguished Indian jurist famed for his principled and courageous dissent during the Tokyo War Crimes Tribunal (International Military Tribunal for the Far East) following World War II.
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He was the sole judge among 11 from Allied nations to deliver a dissenting verdict that acquitted all 25 Japanese defendants accused of war crimes, contending that the tribunal was established on retrospective law.
Justice Pal’s legacy, especially in East Asia, commands lasting respect. In Japan, he is remembered as an emblem of judicial independence and fairness. This renaming signifies a formal acknowledgment of his contributions to international law and the history of Indian jurisprudence.
Historical Continuity with a Contemporary Touch
While the change in address does not affect the Calcutta High Court’s stature or function, it embodies a powerful symbolism, intertwining elements of India’s colonial architectural heritage with the ideals of judicial bravery and independence represented by Justice Radhabinod Pal.
