The Supreme Court issued a stay against the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s mandate for a new verandah outside the Chief Justice’s courtroom, emphasizing the potential risk to the UNESCO heritage status of the Chandigarh Capitol Complex. The decision was prompted by concerns raised by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta about the architectural integrity of the site.
The directive from the Supreme Court puts a pause on both the construction and the contempt charges against the Chief Engineer of the Union Territory of Chandigarh, who was targeted for failing to comply with the High Court’s earlier order dated November 29, 2024. This order had called for the addition of a verandah in front of Courtroom No. 1, aligning it with modifications previously made to other courtrooms in the building.
Justice Vikram Nath, leading the bench, emphasized the importance of preserving the historical and cultural fabric of the Capitol Complex. Designed by the renowned French architect Le Corbusier, the complex was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2016. It spans approximately 100 acres and includes significant structures and monuments, making it a key architectural and cultural landmark.
The UT Administration had challenged the High Court’s decision on the grounds that altering the complex could jeopardize its UNESCO status. During the proceedings, Solicitor General Mehta argued that the construction was unnecessary and could lead to an irreversible change in the heritage site’s structure.
