Chief Justice of India Surya Kant laid the foundation for integrated court complexes across six districts of Uttar Pradesh, a project worth Rs.1,500 crore. He said, “Once these are built, Uttar Pradesh will set an example and become a national benchmark.”
UTTAR PRADESH: The Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has laid the foundation forintegrated court complexes in six districts of Uttar Pradesh, with an estimated cost of Rs.1,500 crore. These complexes are designed to set a standard for the nation’s judicial infrastructure.
The districts included in this endeavor are Chandauli, Mahoba, Amethi, Shamli, Hathras, and Auraiya. The Chief Justice expressed his belief that these facilities will meet the legal needs of justice seekers and practitioners for at least the next 50 years.
Addressing the gathering on this occasion, CJI Kant stated,
“Once these (integrated court complexes) are built, I feel that Uttar Pradesh will set an example for the entire country. These complexes will become a benchmark for the entire nation.”
He proudly highlighted the announcement of 10 integrated court complexes by the chief minister, noting that construction on six of them has already begun, marking a significant milestone.
He added,
“Whichever state I go to, I will cite the example of Uttar Pradesh with pride and happiness. I will urge and appeal to state governments and high courts that such facilities be also provided there,”
CJI Kant emphasized that people will have access to court services close to their residences, enabling them to assert their legal rights in local courts if needed.
He also advocated for the establishment of dedicated rooms for women lawyers in every district court, saying,
“A separate room of the bar should be built for women in every district court where our daughters and sisters practise law.”
He suggested that a primary health center be included in these complexes whenever feasible.
He commended Chief Minister Adityanath for incorporating amenities like a yoga center and a park within the court complex.
He added,
“If this small facility (primary health centre) is also added, I think it will be a great convenience for people who might suddenly face health problems. This would be especially beneficial for our elderly litigants,”
The CJI concluded,
“I pray that these integrated court complexes will truly prove to be a temple of justice. Here, our judicial officers will administer justice with compassion and uphold human values, and the members of the bar will provide significant support,”
At the ceremony, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized the importance of a strong judiciary for reinforcing democracy. He stated that quality infrastructure is essential to ensure justice is accessible and efficient for ordinary citizens.
He added,
“I am pleased to inform that in the first phase, the Uttar Pradesh government has already released funds for six districts. The designs have been approved and all formalities have been completed. After the foundation ceremony, construction work will be carried out expeditiously by a globally reputed organization like L&T,”
During the inauguration in Chandauli, Chief Justice Surya Kant highlighted the significance of these integrated court complexes. He also suggested to the state government the establishment of separate bar associations for women advocates and the inclusion of primary health centers in all court complexes.
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In his approximately seven minute speech, the Chief Justice pointed out that the judicial initiatives in Uttar Pradesh would serve as a model for the rest of the country in the years to come. While laying the foundation stone at Chandauli, he simultaneously initiated construction in Mahoba, Amethi, Shamli, Hathras, and Auraiya.
Justice Kant expressed gratitude to the Uttar Pradesh government for its plan to build ten new court complexes and encouraged other state governments to consider adopting similar modern judicial infrastructure. He reminded attendees that district courts were established under the Constitution to ensure that justice is swift and accessible to all citizens.
Yogi Adityanath elaborated that the new court complexes will feature modern advocate chambers, housing for judicial officers, sports facilities, ample parking, and canteen services. He assured that lawyers will no longer be confined to poor-quality chambers or reliant solely on natural light for their work.
The Chief Minister noted the construction of the integrated court complexes in Chandauli, Mahoba, Amethi, Shamli, Hathras, and Auraiya would begin immediately, with all formalities for four additional districts to be completed in the coming months. He described this initiative as a historic undertaking that would be etched in golden letters in India’s judicial history.
Official sources indicate that the total cost for constructing these court complexes is expected to be around Rs. 1,500 crore. A senior official from Chandauli mentioned that the court complex in that district alone would require an investment of approximately Rs 236 crore.
The Chandauli complex will consist of 37 courtrooms, advocate chambers, residences for judicial officers, and housing for the District Judge, with an estimated completion date set for April 2027.