It was reported that by September 10, 2024, 4.39 acres at Bandra-Kurla complex would be handed over to the high court, with the state indicating that the remaining 30.16 acres would be transferred in phases.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court was informed on Thursday (16th Jan) that the progress regarding the relocation of the Bombay High Court from its current historic building to a new complex is moving forward as planned. The Registrar General of the High Court also expressed gratitude for the Supreme Court’s intervention in the matter.
A bench consisting of Justices BR Gavai, AG Masih, and Vinod Chandran was hearing a suo motu case that was initiated last year. The case was started due to concerns about the deteriorating condition of the 150-year-old heritage building that currently houses the Principal Bench of the Bombay High Court.
During the hearing, Dr. Birendra Saraf, the Advocate General of Maharashtra, appeared for the State government and informed the court that more time was needed to complete the handover of the land for the new Bombay High Court complex. He requested an extension until January 31 to finish handing over the land.
The Advocate General clarified that one portion of land had already been handed over last year. Additionally, about 5.25 acres of land was supposed to be handed over as part of a second phase by December 31, 2024. However, due to certain challenges, this could not be completed on time, but the State government is confident that it will be finished by the end of January.
Dr. Saraf also informed the court that encroachers from the land had been removed, and steps were being taken to relocate the remaining occupants. Furthermore, alternative lands have been identified to accommodate those who will be displaced by the ongoing land acquisition process.
The Advocate General also mentioned that administrative and financial approvals had been obtained for a structural audit of the Bombay High Court’s current building. This audit will assess the condition of the heritage building to determine any immediate repairs needed to ensure its safety.
The Registrar General (RG) of the Bombay High Court, who joined the hearing via video conference, was also present. The Court recalled that the RG had previously informed a different bench about the dilapidation and damage to the High Court building. In a light-hearted moment, the Court addressed the RG, saying:
“Yes Mr. Registrar General, you want to add anything? …You always had the last word, we want to know that,” the Court remarked.
To which the RG responded:
“It’s Milords’ blessings. It’s because of pendency (of this case), we got all these approvals,” acknowledging the role of the Supreme Court’s intervention in securing the necessary approvals for the project.
The Court observed that the State of Maharashtra and the Bombay High Court seem to be working together harmoniously on this important project. It also noted the Advocate General’s statement regarding a steering committee meeting scheduled for later in the evening.
This meeting, led by the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, is expected to make further progress on the project. The State is making all efforts to ensure that the construction of the new building is completed within the stipulated time.
Additionally, the Court highlighted that a tender had been floated to appoint a project management consultant, which will help oversee the smooth execution of the project.
The Court has scheduled the next hearing of the case for April. This will coincide with the completion of one of the deadlines set for the project, specifically for the handover of around 13 acres of land.
It was reported that by September 10, 2024, 4.39 acres at Bandra-Kurla complex would be handed over to the high court, with the state indicating that the remaining 30.16 acres would be transferred in phases. The court noted that the Maharashtra government has shortlisted eight architects for the design planning and directed a meeting with these architects to discuss the high court’s requirements before they present their designs to the state government.
The high court had previously approved the Maharashtra government’s proposal for land at Bandra East in Mumbai, although some portions were occupied by government housing colonies.
The Court is set to review the progress and developments in the case at that time.
Case Title: In Re: Heritage Building of the Bombay High Court and Allotment of Additional Lands for the High Court.
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