“Expansion will take in two phases”, says CJI; attends groundbreaking ceremony of new top court building

New Delhi [India], October 14 (ANI): Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud while addressing an event on the groundbreaking ceremony of the top court, announced that expansion of the apex court would take place in two phases and also made it clear that the original structure of the Supreme Court will remain intact.

CJI Chandrachud further said that these additions reflect the commitment of our judiciary to remain dynamic, relevant and responsive to the increased complexity of cases that it faces today.

The Chief Justice of India, while addressing the occasion of the groundbreaking ceremony of the expansion of the top court, said that they are not just adding space but expanding their capabilities to deliver justice in a timely and dignified manner.

“The architectural marvel that our existing building is has stood the test of time. The evolution of this structure mirrors the evolution of our society from a post-independence nation to a global leader in upholding the rule of law,” CJI said.

“Today we lay the cornerstone for the future of our justice system, a future that promises progress, accessibility and modernity,” he added.

CJI pointed out that the Court is designed to accommodate the increasing caseloads, new judicial benches and the requirements of our judges, lawyers and citizens. “The expansion is not just about increasing physical space, it is about building capacity for justice. While the original structure will remain intact, the subsequent additions to the complex will make way for the new state-of-the-art facilities,” he said.

Elaborating on how the construction will proceed, CJI said that the new structures spread over 86,500 square meters of built-up area and will be constructed in two phases.

Phase one, which is being initiated today will be completed within 29 months, approximately 38,250 square meters will be covered and consist of two basements and a five-storey building. The ground floor will be dedicated to lawyers and utility spaces including a library among others and the upper floors will accommodate courtrooms, court offices and chambers. By the time we complete phase two, which will span an additional 48,250 square meters over three and four-storey blocks, the Supreme Court will have gained an additional 29 courtrooms, CJI said.

Notably, the Constitutional Court with its 17-judge bench seating will be placed on the 5th floor of the new structure, CJI highlighted in his address.

CJI said that these additions reflect the commitment of our judiciary to remain dynamic, relevant and responsive to the increased complexity of cases that we face today.

CJI Chandrachud said that they are not just adding space but expanding their capabilities to deliver justice in a timely and dignified manner.

CJI said that these buildings will be environmentally conscious and they have deployed sustainable site planning and aimed to achieve energy efficiency and renewable energy integration, waste and water management, control of indoor quality and comfort.

CJI further said that the expansion building of the Supreme Court will be fully accessible, incorporating features that are friendly to individuals with physical disabilities.”The building allows universal design principles to ensure accessibility. It will have automatic doors, ramps, lifts, adequate signage for navigation, and clearly defined routes for emergency evacuations. Persons with disabilities will find adjustable furniture, designated seating areas in the courtrooms and public spaces, as well as accessible restrooms and parking facilities,” he said.

CJI Chandrachud further said that with this expansion, they are not just adding rooms or court spaces, but also creating an environment that upholds the dignity of the people who visit the court and manifests the hallowed grounds that have upheld and advanced the intricately woven threads of justice in the tapestry of our constitutional spirit.

“We are cultivating a culture of upholding the law and enhancing the efficiency of the judiciary. The facilities will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure, allowing for seamless case management, accessibility and the incorporation of modern tools to support the work of the court,” he said.

With an increased capacity to host more lawyers, judges and staff, we are also creating a space that fosters collaboration and learning, key aspects of any thriving judicial system, CJI said.

“As we move forward with this expansion, we are not just adding brick and mortar to an existing structure, we are contributing to the lasting legacy of the Supreme Court of India,” CJI said,

CJI Chandrachud said that this building will stand as a testament to our commitment to justice, fairness and progress. This expansion, much like our Constitution itself, is designed to serve as a living, breathing entity, adapting to the needs of our society while holding firm to its core values of justice, liberty, and equality. Today’s event signifies not just the physical growth of our institution, but also the broader mandate of ensuring that justice is accessible, efficient, and ever-responsible for the needs of the nation.

The CJI thanked everyone who has played for this project and said that the expansion of the Supreme Court is more than just a construction project, it is a reflection of our collective commitment to the ideals of justice and the rule of law.

“I look forward to seeing this project come to life and to witness the positive impact it will have on our legal system. A project of this magnitude requires the expertise and litigation of various stakeholders,” CJI said as he acknowledged the tireless efforts of the team for this project.

While addressing the vote of thanks in the event, Justice BR Gavai observed that India is a secular country and said that today in the event, it was witnessed 11 priests from different religions and genders participating and making it truly secular.” He also expressed gratitude for adding the names of all sitting judges to the plaque.

Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, who also attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the new building, said that the expansion of the building is citizen-centric and will have state-of-the-art utilities for all.

Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar referred to old rules of the Punjab Land Preservation Act, 1900 and said that once the matter reached the top court whereby it was ordered to demolish those properties that were built over cultivated land and accidentally some areas in which the International Solar Alliance was established fell under this law.

Khattar said that when he noted this, his government introduced an amendment, which is still pending. He appealed that if all branches coordinated, the issue would not have reached this far. Khattar also extended greetings for the expansion of the top court building and said that it will address the institutional incapacity due to the lack of space among others.