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Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) is moving forward with its expansion plans at the current court complex, and a panel has been set up to oversee the process. Two sitting judges of the High Court will be part of this administrative committee, with the senior judge serving as the chairperson. The names of the judges will be decided by the Chief Justice on the administrative side.
The panel was created to discuss the implementation of a modified holistic development plan aimed at addressing space constraints and rising traffic congestion at the court complex. This move comes after the HC Bar Association held a general house on September 22 and resolved that the court should not be moved to Sarangpur or any other alternative site under “any circumstances.”
In addition to the two judges, the panel will include two representatives from the Bar Association and two representatives from the employees’ association. The names of these representatives must be submitted by October 1. Other members will include the Chief Architect, Chief Engineer of the Union Territory, and the Registrar of the HC building committee. The Centre will be represented by Additional Solicitor General Satya Pal Jain.
The court has directed that the panel should meet once a week, with the first meeting scheduled for October 9, 2025. The panel’s work will be crucial in ensuring that the expansion is carried out efficiently while taking into account the concerns of all stakeholders, including judges, lawyers, staff, and government representatives.
The decision to keep the court at its current location comes after detailed discussions and the Bar Association’s strong stance against relocation. According to the Union Territory administration, expansion is possible at the present site, but the area available for development would need to be reduced to 2–3 lakh square metres. Since the High Court is part of the Capitol Complex, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016, any expansion plan will require clearance from UNESCO.
The administrative committee will examine how the available space can be utilized efficiently to meet the High Court’s needs without compromising heritage preservation. The modified holistic development plan aims to balance modern facilities and infrastructure improvements with conservation of the historic Capitol Complex.
The involvement of sitting judges in the panel is expected to ensure that the judicial perspective is represented in all decisions. Their input will be crucial for understanding the functional requirements of the court, including courtrooms, offices, and facilities for staff and visitors. Representatives from the Bar Association and employees’ association will provide additional insights to make the process inclusive.
Officials have emphasized that the expansion plan is intended to resolve long-standing issues like overcrowding, insufficient parking, and traffic congestion in the surrounding area. The panel will also look into ways to improve access for lawyers, staff, and the public while maintaining security and operational efficiency.
The inclusion of Additional Solicitor General Satya Pal Jain as the Centre’s representative ensures that government policies and legal requirements are considered during the planning process. The presence of the Chief Architect and Chief Engineer will help incorporate technical feasibility and construction expertise into the plan.
The High Court’s expansion is a major infrastructure project, and weekly meetings of the panel are expected to maintain a steady pace and ensure timely decision-making. By bringing together judges, lawyers, staff representatives, and technical experts, the panel aims to create a comprehensive plan that meets both functional and heritage requirements.
The Capitol Complex, being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adds complexity to the expansion plans. Any modifications must meet international heritage standards while accommodating the growing needs of the High Court. The administrative committee will need to carefully balance heritage preservation with modern infrastructure requirements.
The holistic development plan will include reviewing existing buildings, planning new structures, improving parking and traffic flow, and ensuring adequate facilities for court staff and visitors. The committee’s decisions will also consider environmental impact and long-term sustainability.
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Once the expansion plan is finalized, it will help address the High Court’s space constraints, enhance judicial functioning, and improve access and convenience for everyone visiting the complex. By keeping the court at its current location, the authorities aim to maintain continuity while upgrading infrastructure to meet modern standards.
In conclusion, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has formed a diverse panel to oversee the expansion of the current court complex. With two sitting judges, representatives from the Bar Association and employees’ association, and technical and government experts, the panel is expected to create a balanced, efficient, and heritage-friendly development plan. The committee’s weekly meetings, starting October 9, will ensure that the project moves forward in an organized and inclusive manner, addressing both the operational needs of the High Court and the preservation of the historic Capitol Complex.
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