The Maharashtra government has assured the Supreme Court that it will transfer the next tranche of land required for the new Bombay High Court building in Mumbai’s Bandra by December. This commitment was communicated to a special bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, which included Justices B R Gavai and JB Pardiwala, during a hearing on Thursday.
The state’s Advocate General, Birendra Saraf, detailed that the High Court is set to receive a total of 30.16 acres in phased allocations, with 4.39 acres already handed over. The forthcoming transfer in December is part of this phased approach. Saraf also mentioned ongoing preparations for the construction project, including the selection of a project meeting consultant and the anticipation of an expression of interest.
During the session, Saraf updated the bench on related issues, such as the pending acquisition of the Air India building in south Mumbai, intended for the High Court’s mediation center. Additionally, he highlighted the need for a structural audit of a PWD building currently under consideration for repairs and partial use by the High Court until the new complex is ready.
The Supreme Court has taken a proactive stance on this project, following a letter from the Bombay Bar Association highlighting the urgent need for a modern judicial facility. The existing High Court building, a heritage structure at Flora Fountain operational since 1878, has raised safety concerns due to its age and the increasing demand for space.
In response to the state’s update, the Supreme Court bench requested a fresh status report and scheduled the next hearing for the first week of January. The ongoing developments reflect the judiciary’s and the state government’s efforts to address infrastructure needs for the Bombay High Court, which serves as a critical judicial hub for Maharashtra and several Union territories.
