The Punjab & Haryana High Court Bar Association (PHHCBA) is set to conduct a vote among its members to decide whether the High Court should be relocated from its current premises in the Chandigarh Capitol Complex to a new site.
The High Court presently functions within the UNESCO-designated heritage area of the Capitol Complex, which poses serious limitations on structural expansion due to heritage preservation rules and restrictions imposed by international heritage regulations. Because of these constraints and the persistent shortage of space, the PHHCBA’s Executive Committee recently passed a resolution recommending relocation of the High Court to Sarangpur village. Around 48.865 acres of land have been earmarked for the project, with approximately 15 acres already allotted. Plans for the proposed new complex envision around 42 lakh square feet of built-up area, which would be dedicated solely to the functioning of the High Court.
An alternative to relocation is also under consideration. This involves creating additional infrastructure within the existing Capitol Complex premises by constructing a multi-level building opposite the PHHCBA Bar Room. The proposal includes three levels of underground parking and three floors above ground, accommodating 16 new courtrooms. However, this option comes with an estimated cost of around ₹200 crore and would require approval from the World Heritage Committee due to the heritage status of the site.
During recent proceedings, a Division Bench consisting of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Ramesh Kumari clarified that no final decision on relocation or expansion can be made without the explicit support of the PHHCBA’s General Body. The Bench noted that if the Executive Committee’s resolution is approved by the General Body, it would then be accepted by the court.
The PHHCBA has therefore decided to put the issue to a direct vote of its members. The voting process will determine whether the Bar favors relocating the High Court to Sarangpur or prefers to continue at the current heritage site with expanded facilities. Both options are expected to take between five and seven years to complete, though each presents its own set of challenges. The Sarangpur option raises questions of connectivity and logistics, while the existing site option involves significant financial costs and the necessity of navigating heritage clearance procedures.
This forthcoming vote is considered crucial, as it will ultimately decide the future course of infrastructure development for the Punjab & Haryana High Court, addressing long-standing concerns over inadequate space and facilities.
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