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Tells Supreme Court Bid Process to End by December
The today recorded the ’s assurance that the bid process for the construction of a new building will be completed by December, as part of ongoing proceedings aimed at preserving the heritage structure and expanding judicial infrastructure. , appearing for the State, provided a detailed progress report before a Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana, outlining a concrete timeline for architectural planning, tendering, and land handover.
The disclosure comes against the backdrop of the 150-year-old building’s rapid dilapidation, which prompted the Supreme Court to take up the matter on its own motion in . The case addresses not only the urgent need for a new facility but also the preservation of the iconic heritage edifice that has housed one of India’s most important high courts for over a century.
A Coordinated Roadmap
During Friday’s hearing, Sathe informed the Bench that the , constituted to oversee the project, had successfully convened a meeting with representatives of all and the . He stated, “A meeting was held of the with all and the . Everybody's concerns were taken care of and the conceptual plans were finalised on .” This collaborative approach appears to have resolved lingering stakeholder disagreements, paving the way for technical planning.
The next phase involves the preparation of structural drawings, architectural plans, and construction plans by the appointed architect—a process expected to take roughly eight weeks. Once these are finalised, the project will enter the tender stage. Sathe clarified that the tender process and finalisation of the successful bidder will require an additional eight weeks, concluding that “by the end of December the whole process of selection of bids will be completed.” This timeline, if adhered to, would allow construction to commence early next year, subject to statutory clearances.
Land Transfer and Statutory Hurdles
A significant portion of the hearing focused on the transfer of land for the new building. The State had originally committed to handing over the full parcel by , but an extension was sought due to the continued occupation of certain structures by government employees and staff. Sathe reported that 23.7 acres of land have already been handed over. Of the remaining 5.4 acres, 2.5 acres will be transferred by , with the balance to follow by . This phased approach ensures that existing staff are not displaced abruptly, while also maintaining momentum on the project.
In addition to land, the project requires approximately 45 statutory permissions from various departments. Sathe noted that applications for some approvals have already been submitted, while the remainder will be sought once the architectural plans are finalised. The Bench appeared receptive to this progress, though it underscored the importance of adhering to the self-imposed deadlines to avoid further delays in addressing the court’s infrastructure deficit.
The Supreme Court’s Supervisory Role
The Supreme Court’s intervention in this matter highlights a growing trend of judicial oversight over infrastructure projects that directly impact the justice delivery system. By taking up the case , the Court has effectively become a stakeholder in ensuring that the receives adequate facilities, while also respecting the need for heritage conservation. This supervisory role allows the Court to monitor progress, resolve inter-departmental disputes, and hold the State accountable to its commitments.
Legal experts note that such proceedings are not merely administrative—they carry constitutional weight. The right to access justice under implicitly requires functional courtrooms and adequate infrastructure. The Supreme Court’s diligence in this matter sends a clear signal that court administration cannot be treated as a secondary priority. The mechanism also demonstrates how the apex judiciary can proactively address systemic bottlenecks without waiting for a formal litigant to file a petition.
Implications for Legal Practice and the Bar
The completion of a new building is eagerly awaited by the legal fraternity. A modern structure would provide much-needed courtrooms, chambers for judges and lawyers, digitised records rooms, and accessible facilities for litigants. The and ’s early involvement in the planning process suggests that the final design will reflect the needs of everyday practitioners, from adequate parking to advanced audiovisual systems for virtual hearings.
For the thousands of lawyers practicing before the , the new building represents more than just a physical upgrade—it signifies an improved work environment that could reduce daily logistical challenges. Moreover, the preservation of the heritage building ensures that the court’s historical legacy remains intact, serving as a reminder of the institution’s rich jurisprudence. The balance struck between modernity and tradition in this project could serve as a model for other high courts facing similar aging infrastructure issues.
A Race Against Time
While the timelines outlined by the State are ambitious, they are not without precedent. The project’s complexity—requiring dozens of permissions and coordination among multiple agencies—means that any lapse could push the deadline further. The Supreme Court’s willingness to monitor the implementation suggests that it will not hesitate to intervene if progress stalls. The Court’s continued engagement in this matter is a testament to its commitment to ensuring that the justice system operates efficiently and dignifiedly.
As the December bid finalisation approaches, all eyes will be on the and the to deliver on their promises. For now, the legal community can take solace in the fact that the wheels of progress are turning, and that the vision of a state-of-the-art is no longer a distant dream but a concrete reality in the making.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s recording of the ’s timeline marks a significant step forward in the long-awaited project. With 23.7 acres already in hand and a clear roadmap for the remaining land and tenders, the new building appears poised to become a reality by late next year. The Court’s proactive supervision ensures that this critical infrastructure project remains on track, benefiting the bench, the bar, and the public at large. As the December deadline looms, the legal fraternity watches with cautious optimism, hopeful that the new edifice will soon stand as a symbol of modern, accessible justice.
