The Supreme Court Advocate-on-Record Association (SCAORA) has formally requested Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna to consider removing the glass partitions installed in the corridors of the Supreme Court. These partitions were introduced during the tenure of former Chief Justice DY Chandrachud as part of modernization efforts, which included centralizing air-conditioning. SCAORA’s letter articulated concerns that these changes might not be in harmony with the historical ethos and legacy of the Court.
The association has argued that the partitions disrupt the grandeur and openness of the Supreme Court’s architecture, which has been a hallmark of its legacy. “The corridors, as they once were, embodied the grandeur and timelessness of the Court’s legacy,” the letter reads. SCAORA emphasized the need to restore the previous open design to maintain the historic character and ensure the building remains welcoming and accessible.
Furthermore, the letter highlighted safety issues with the glass panels, which have reportedly suffered damage and shown signs of cracking. This presents a hazard not only to lawyers but also to the litigants visiting the court. The advocates’ group has urged the Chief Justice to prioritize safety and remove the partitions to prevent any potential injuries.
In addition to concerns about the glass partitions, SCAORA has reiterated its previous request to relocate the National Judicial Museum and Archive (NJMA) from its current high-security location within the court premises to a more accessible, lower-security area. The association argues that the current placement of the NJMA violates standard security practices by allowing visitors access to high-security zones, potentially compromising the Court’s security protocols.
The letter suggested that moving the NJMA would not only adhere to security best practices but also make the museum more accessible to the public and free up valuable space within the court premises for purposes that benefit the legal community and the public.
The Supreme Court has yet to respond to the letter from SCAORA. The decision on these matters will likely weigh the historical significance and functional needs of the Court against the modernization measures implemented in recent years.
