Today, On 15th July, The Maharashtra Advocate General informed the Supreme Court that the land for the new Bombay High Court building will be handed over by September 10. This update ensures the timely progress of the project, marking a significant step forward in the judicial infrastructure development.
Mumbai: The Advocate General for the State of Maharashtra informed the Supreme Court today that 4.39 acres of land at the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) would be transferred to the Bombay High Court by September 10, 2024. Additionally, the Maharashtra Public Service Commission consented to transfer the premises.
The Bench, consisting of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra, declared,
“In light of these developments, we now direct that the proceedings be listed before this court for a hearing on August 22, 2024. The Chief Justice of the High Court will be at liberty to convene meetings and ensure continuous monitoring of the project by the committee of the High Court.”
Dr. Birendra Saraf, the Advocate General of Maharashtra, informed that a comprehensive meeting held with the High Court and other departments, where all issues considered. He mentioned that a portion of the land in Bandra would be transferred in September.
The Chief Justice of India (CJI) inquired about the size of the land, to which the AG responded,
“Approximately 4 acres.”
When the CJI asked if the land was contiguous, the AG confirmed,
“Yes, this is a contiguous land.”
The CJI then questioned the exact timing in September for the handover.
The AG stated,
“Every effort is being made to hand over that part of the land prior to the 10th of September maybe just a few days here or there, but every effort is being made.”
The CJI further inquired about other decisions made during the meeting.
AG stated,
“Regarding the Architects, the State has proposed 8 names, and the High Court has requested that each architect present to the committee before we seek expressions of interest from them.”
AG also mentioned,
“For the alternate premises, MPSC has agreed to vacate and hand over the premises by the end of the month.”
The CJI inquired,
“Where is MPSC located?”
AG responded,
“In the Bank of India building.”
Justice Gavai noted,
“They have already moved to the BSNL building but still have some records in the Bank of India Building.”
AG confirmed,
“They are identifying those records and have committed to vacating and removing them by the month’s end. Whatever the High Court needs will be provided immediately, approved, and sanctioned. You have our assurance; there will be no delays.”
Chief Justice of India (CJI) inquired,
“Is there anything else we need to be particularly informed about?”
The Registrar General of the Bombay High Court informed the Bench that there were two meetings, one on July 8, an in-house meeting of the BKC committee, and another on July 9, which included all stakeholders, including government representatives.
Senior Advocate Nitin Thakker, representing the Bombay Bar, requested that bar associations be included in future stakeholder meetings.
The Attorney General (AG) responded,
“I leave it entirely to you (Bench) as to who can attend the meeting. Most of these are administrative matters and administrative things are being discussed.”
CJI stated,
“The Chief Justice (Bombay HC) will decide.”
Read Also: Bombay High Court Asks Maharashtra Govt To Prioritize New Building Construction
The AG also mentioned that copies of the plan would be provided to the Presidents of the Bombay Bar Associations. Previously, the Supreme Court directed the Government of Maharashtra to release the first tranche of land for constructing the new Bombay High Court Building in BKC by September this year and to expedite the process of finalizing the architectural design for the proposed new High Court building in BKC.
The next hearing scheduled for August 22.