The state government will prepare a master print latest by December end, 2016, to develop the new Bombay High Court building in Bandra (E), the court was told on Tuesday. The government has assured that a world-class township with ultra modern infrastructure will be provided in the building, which will be spread over 25.93 lakh sqft area.
In its affidavit filed through acting Advocate General Rohit Deo and Government Pleader Bharat Mehta, the government said it has contacted four consultants in the US for planning and is also considering the government-to-government cooperation model by signing memorandums of understanding with Korea, Dubai and Singapore for technical assistance.
The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Ahmed Abdi. It discarded the objections raised by a few advocates regarding the inconvenience caused to advocates and judges, if shifted to the suburbs.
The court said, "Inconvenience to advocates and judges is completely irrelevant. Courts of law are for the benefit of litigants. Larger interests of the public will have to be considered while taking the decision to shift to a larger complex. The heritage status of the building will be retained."
The state has been told to consider the need in regard to the increasing litigation for the next 100 years while preparing the master print.
On the HC's direction, the government has, in principle, agreed to allot land for a new HC complex at the Government Colony in Bandra (E) following its redevelopment. The present high court building, a historic structure, construction of which was initiated in 1871, was completed in 1878.
The over 150-year-old Bombay High Court in Fort was constructed essentially to meet the requirements of 15 judges. Over the last 135 years, however, the strength of judges has increased to 75. It is soon set to reach a figure of 94.
