On Monday, Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud emphasized the strong sense of independence that judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts exhibit in their judicial work, while highlighting the judiciary’s collaboration with the government on the administrative front.
Speaking at the foundation stone ceremony for the new Bombay High Court complex in Bandra, Mumbai—developed on land provided by the Maharashtra government—CJI Chandrachud said the project symbolized a joint effort between the state and judiciary to provide citizens with modern legal infrastructure. He underscored the importance of completing the new complex on time, while safeguarding the existing British-era High Court building in south Mumbai.
Attending the event were Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, along with senior judges of the Supreme Court and High Court, including Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya.
While acknowledging the need for a new facility, CJI Chandrachud reassured that the historic 150-year-old High Court structure would continue to inspire future generations. He credited the state government for swiftly allotting the land and reiterated the significance of collaboration between the judiciary and government for modernizing public infrastructure.
“On the judicial side, judges work with the fiercest independence, but on administrative matters—like infrastructure and budgeting—we stand united with the government, as our mission is the same,” CJI Chandrachud affirmed.
He added that the current court building, operational since 1862, is one of India’s busiest, but acknowledged its inevitable decline over time, thus the necessity for a new home.
Supreme Court Judge Abhay Oka, who previously served at the Bombay High Court, expressed his hope that the existing building would remain part of the judiciary even after the shift. Justice Oka also urged for the construction to be completed before November 2025, when Justice B R Gavai from Maharashtra will become Chief Justice of India.
CM Shinde and Deputy CM Fadnavis addressed concerns regarding the relocation of the High Court, noting that the new coastal road project connecting south Mumbai to Bandra has alleviated worries.
The current High Court, located near Hutatma Chowk, has jurisdiction over Maharashtra and its benches in Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Goa, along with the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu.
(With inputs from agency)
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