Delhi High Court has welcomed a new addition to its premises – a Starbucks coffee outlet. This marks a significant moment for the court’s S-Block, enhancing the campus’s amenities with a touch of global coffee culture.
The Delhi High Court has welcomed a new addition to its premises – a Starbucks coffee outlet. This marks a significant moment for the court’s S-Block, enhancing the campus’s amenities with a touch of global coffee culture. Located conveniently at the ground floor next to one of the many entrances after entering through Gate 7, the Starbucks outlet is set to become a new hub for legal professionals and visitors alike.
The S-Block, a grand edifice constructed from sand-blasted Dholpur and Agra stones, is not just an architectural marvel but also a center of legal activity. It houses the Delhi International Arbitration Centre, a 285-seat auditorium, and nearly 200 lawyers’ chambers. The addition of the world’s largest coffee house chain to this mix adds a layer of global cosmopolitanism to the court’s environment.
Starbucks, taking up half of the available space, hints at the potential for further expansion, possibly even a professional kitchen behind its counters. This strategic location offers not just coffee but a new space for informal gatherings, discussions, and perhaps even client meetings within the high court’s premises.
However, the introduction of Starbucks faces competition from a long-standing favorite among the court’s legal community – the DHCBA Members Cafeteria. Known for its exceptional cold coffee, the cafeteria has been a go-to spot for many advocates and clerks.
“No one can beat their cold coffee,”
says Prince, a clerk at the Delhi HC, echoing a sentiment shared by many, including Advocate Savyasachi Rawat, who questions the rationale behind paying significantly more for Starbucks coffee when a beloved alternative exists right across Gate 7.
Despite the competition, Starbucks may offer a solution to a practical challenge faced by many legal professionals at the court – the need for a space to discuss matters with clients. The DHCBA cafeteria’s access is restricted to lawyers and court officials, presenting a limitation for lawyers wishing to consult with their clients within the court’s premises. Advocate Garv Malhotra points out the “space crunch” in the court, with lawyers’ chambers often too small for client meetings. Starbucks, with its open access, could serve as an alternative meeting spot, despite concerns about its pricing.
The decision to introduce Starbucks to the Delhi High Court was driven by requests from young lawyers, according to Advocate Sandeep Sharma, the Honorary Secretary of the DHCBA. This move reflects a desire among the younger legal professionals for more brand variety and alternative options within the High Court, signaling a shift towards a more inclusive and diverse campus environment.
The opening of Starbucks at the Delhi High Court is more than just a new coffee spot; it represents a modernizing shift within the legal community’s traditional settings. It offers a blend of convenience, global brand presence, and the potential for creating a more relaxed atmosphere for legal discussions and client meetings. As the legal community and visitors alike begin to frequent this new addition, it will be interesting to see how it integrates into the daily life of the Delhi High Court, balancing tradition with modernity.
