Chandigarh Administration Takes First Step in High Court Expansion Project
The Chandigarh Union Territory administration has formally issued a letter of intent to a Delhi-based consultancy firm. This document authorizes the firm to design a comprehensive expansion plan for the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The project represents a critical balancing act between addressing urgent infrastructure requirements and preserving strict Unesco World Heritage protections.
Navigating Heritage Protection Requirements
The selected firm faces a complex dual mandate. First, it must draft a complete development plan for the high court expansion. Second, it needs to secure multiple approvals from various authorities. These include the Government of India, the Chandigarh Heritage Committee, and Unesco itself.
This approval process presents significant challenges because the high court building sits within the Capitol Complex. This complex holds Unesco World Heritage status as a site designed by architect Le Corbusier. Any new construction within this area undergoes rigorous scrutiny to protect its historical value.
The expansion plan must accommodate the court's growing operational needs without compromising what Unesco terms the "Outstanding Universal Value" of the heritage precinct. A senior administration official confirmed they have thoroughly explained all heritage-related restrictions to the consultancy firm. The firm is expected to submit an initial assessment report by the end of this month.
Phased Implementation Approach
Authorities plan to execute the project in clearly defined phases. Each phase requires explicit consent from urban planning and heritage authorities before the next stage can begin.
- Phase 1 focuses on conceptual planning and ensuring heritage compliance. This phase is currently in progress.
- Phase 2 involves securing approvals from Unesco and the Government of India. This phase will follow the initial planning stage.
- Phase 3 covers final tendering and actual construction work. This phase remains pending until all necessary approvals are obtained.
Addressing Critical Infrastructure Shortages
The expansion initiative responds to severe space constraints that have hampered judicial operations for some time. The High Court currently operates with significant limitations despite having a sanctioned strength of eighty-five judges. Only sixty-nine courtrooms are currently functional, creating operational bottlenecks.
The Delhi-based firm's scope of work includes several key components:
- Construction of new courtrooms to address the current shortage
- Expanded office spaces for the advocate generals of Punjab and Haryana
- New workspaces for practicing advocates
- Specialized record rooms for document storage
- A parking facility accommodating at least 3,500 vehicles
- A redesigned road network to improve traffic flow
- Dedicated public zones with segregated, high-security entry and exit routes
Heritage Protection Protocols
The high court building holds Grade I heritage status under the Chandigarh Master Plan 2031. This classification represents the highest level of protection available. It means no external changes can occur without approval from both the Chandigarh Heritage Committee and the Ministry of Culture.
Before any construction begins, the consultancy firm must conduct comprehensive heritage impact assessments. These assessments evaluate potential effects on the historical site. In 2023, Unesco suspended three major projects in the area after heritage impact assessments found they would cause irreversible damage to the heritage fabric. One of these suspended projects was a previous high court expansion plan.
The World Heritage Committee recently recommended keeping the High Court project suspended until authorities can demonstrate that the proposed expansion will not diminish the site's historical integrity. Particular concerns focus on the underground parking facility and new judicial chambers.
