The Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association (PHHCBA) announced that its members will vote on a crucial question, whether the High Court should remain at its existing premises in Sector 1, Chandigarh, or be shifted to a new site.
The present High Court complex, situated within the catchment area of Sukhna Lake and forming part of the Chandigarh Capitol Complex (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), faces serious restrictions on expansion. Against a sanctioned strength of 85, the Court currently functions with only 69 operational courtrooms, highlighting a pressing infrastructure crisis.
On August 20, the PHHCBA Executive Committee unanimously resolved to approve the relocation of the High Court to Sarangpur village in Chandigarh, where 48.865 acres of land have been earmarked. Out of this, 15 acres are already allotted, and the proposed site would provide nearly 42 lakh square feet of constructed space, exclusively for the High Court. The Association emphasized that this location would meet judicial infrastructure requirements for the next two to three decades, with better connectivity through a planned metro hub, expanded road networks, and multiple entry-exit points.
An alternative proposal has also been placed for consideration, constructing an additional complex at the existing site opposite the Bar Room, comprising underground parking and three above-ground floors to create 16 new courtrooms. However, this project, estimated at ₹200 crore, would require clearance from UNESCO and is expected to take more than five years, with considerable disruption to parking and movement during construction.
On August 22, a Division Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Ramesh Kumari directed that the Executive Committee’s resolution be placed before the General Body. The Bench observed, “This is a very important decision. Unless the general body agrees, I don’t think we should go ahead". The Court clarified that only a resolution approved by the General Body would be accepted.
Following this direction, the PHHCBA has announced that voting will take place shortly. In a notice to its members, the Association stressed that the decision would significantly impact the future of the institution and urged advocates to cast their votes responsibly.
Both proposals, expansion at the existing premises or relocation to Sarangpur, are projected to require five to seven years for completion. The final choice now rests with the members of the Bar.
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