“From Museum to Multipurpose Hub” – SCBA Appeals CJI for Space, Comfort, and Safety in Supreme Court Premises

By Payal Singh

5 December 2024, 7:03 PM5 December 2024, 7:03 PM

2 minutes, 27 seconds Read

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The Supreme Court Bar Association has urged Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna to convert the old Judges’ Library museum into a multifunctional space, addressing the needs of over 21,000 members. The proposal includes creating an E-library, lounge, and consultation room while resolving congestion and safety issues caused by the current glass partitions.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has formally appealed to Chief Justice of India, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjiv Khanna, urging the conversion of the old Judges’ Library museum into a multifunctional space for the bar association’s members. This initiative aims to address the growing needs of the legal community while preserving the Supreme Court’s historic essence.

A Call for Space and Accessibility

In its letter, the SCBA emphasized the urgent requirement to repurpose the museum into a state-of-the-art E-library, Traditional Library, Lounge, Consultation Room, and Cafeteria. The association underscored that these facilities would cater to the over 21,000 SCBA members who currently face significant space and resource constraints.

“We had hoped the old Judges’ Library, now converted into a museum, would be allotted to the SCBA,” the letter states, noting that repeated requests have so far been overlooked.

Congestion and Safety Concerns

The SCBA highlighted the congestion caused by Air Conditioning Glass Panels installed in the corridors. This modification has not only reduced space but also hampered free movement for bar members, clerks, interns, and litigants during peak hours. The association warns that this congestion is negatively impacting court efficiency and increasing frustration among stakeholders.

Additionally, the association raised safety concerns regarding the cracks developing in the glass panels, warning of potential injuries. The lack of fresh air and natural sunlight due to these installations further compounds the challenges faced by the legal community.

SCBA’s Proposals

To address these issues, the SCBA has made the following appeals:

Relocation of the museum from the High-Security Zone to the Low-Security Zone.
Conversion of the vacated space into facilities such as an E-library, Traditional Library, Lounge, Consultation Room, and Cafeteria.
Removal of glass partitions and restoration of the original corridor layout to enhance safety, accessibility, and preserve the Supreme Court’s historical significance.