UT to review high court’s expansion plan as per HC order today

The Chandigarh Administration is set to discuss the implementation of the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s order regarding the design and construction of a new high court complex. Senior officials said the meeting will focus on finalising the way forward for awarding design work for the expansion project, which aims to add more courtrooms and facilities to the existing complex.

The court had directed the Union Territory (UT) administration on December 5 to adopt a single source selection method for appointing the consultant, as per Government of India guidelines. This allows the administration to hire a consultant without going through the normal tendering process. The decision comes amid concerns that tendering would cause delays in project execution and necessary clearances.

A senior officer explained that the project requires approval from UNESCO because the High Court, which forms part of the Capitol Complex, was declared a World Heritage Site in 2016. The officer added that the timeline is tight, and the proposal for UNESCO clearance must be submitted by the end of December to allow construction to start next year. The High Court recognised this as a “special circumstance” justifying the single source selection.

Project details and design consultant

The expansion project involves constructing four new blocks with 30-35 additional courtrooms over an area of 11.42 lakh square feet behind the heritage building. It will also include additional parking space covering 11.17 lakh square feet. These facilities aim to ease the current space shortage and accommodate growing judicial needs in Chandigarh.

Earlier, on November 21, the High Court had directed the UT to publish an “expression of interest” to appoint a consultant. However, the local Bar Association filed an application requesting the court to modify that order. They argued that publishing a tender would take another 2-3 months and could delay the project’s clearances. The court agreed that the critical shortage of space and the need to meet UNESCO’s approval timeline created special circumstances for adopting single source selection.

Senior officers mentioned that the engineering department will discuss the implementation plan with other stakeholders before finalising the consultant. While the consultant has not yet been appointed, the High Court’s order clears the way for awarding the work directly. This will help ensure that the project moves ahead without unnecessary administrative delays.

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Timeline and importance of the project

The Chandigarh High Court is part of the Capitol Complex, which also houses important government offices and is a major heritage landmark. Any construction in this area requires strict oversight and approvals from multiple agencies, including UNESCO. Officials highlighted that timely appointment of the consultant is essential to meet all regulatory requirements and start the project next year.

The court’s decision to allow single source selection is seen as a practical step to balance heritage preservation with the urgent need for expanded judicial infrastructure. The new blocks and additional facilities will help reduce overcrowding, provide modern workspaces for judges and staff, and improve access for lawyers and litigants.

The UT administration plans to discuss project implementation in detail, including timelines, design approvals, and coordination with UNESCO and other agencies. Ensuring that the project proceeds smoothly is critical, as delays could affect court operations and the handling of judicial cases.

Once the consultant is finalised, the team will prepare detailed design plans, obtain necessary clearances, and oversee construction while respecting the heritage status of the Capitol Complex. The administration aims to complete the expansion efficiently, providing much-needed space and facilities for the High Court while preserving the architectural and historical significance of the site.

In conclusion, the Chandigarh High Court expansion is a high-priority project requiring careful planning, swift decision-making, and close coordination with heritage authorities. The UT administration’s upcoming discussions will determine how quickly the project can move forward, ensuring that judicial services in Chandigarh continue without interruption and meet modern standards.