Nagpur High Court Intensifies Scrutiny of Decade-Old Court Complex Infrastructure Failures
The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has significantly sharpened its judicial oversight regarding the persistent infrastructural shortcomings at the Nagpur District and Sessions Court complex. During a crucial hearing on Thursday, the court permitted an intervention application from former District Bar Association President Kamal Satuja while directing pointed questions to the Nagpur Municipal Corporation about potential parking solutions.
Judicial Bench Grants Limited Time for Municipal Response
A division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode has granted the civic body a strict two-week deadline to submit a comprehensive response on record. This directive emerged during the hearing of Public Interest Litigation No. 67 of 2015, a decade-old legal proceeding that continues to highlight the chronic deficiencies plaguing the court complex, commonly referred to as Nyay Mandir.
Institutional Intervention and Historical Context
The bench approved Satuja's intervention application after recognizing the institutional significance of the issues being raised. Represented by counsel Sejal Lakhani, the intervenor strongly urged the implementation of the High Court's earlier order dated April 5, 2018. That previous judicial directive had specifically instructed authorities to accelerate construction of a multi-level pay-and-park facility near the nullah opposite the court premises to alleviate severe congestion problems.
Background of Parking Conflicts and Judicial Commentary
This legal intervention follows renewed tensions surrounding parking availability, including a recent public disagreement between segments of the legal bar and the judiciary. The parking issue even drew sharp commentary from Justice Kilor, who serves as the High Court's administrative judge. He criticized lawyers for circulating protest videos on social media platforms during a public program organized to felicitate former Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai.
Original Petition Highlights Systemic Deficiencies
The original PIL was filed by advocate Manoj Sable through counsel Shreerang Bhandarkar, who has consistently brought attention to deteriorating conditions in courtrooms and bar rooms throughout the Vidarbha region. The petition systematically documents the absence of fundamental amenities including:
- Clean drinking water facilities
- Hygienic sanitation arrangements
- Adequate seating provisions
- Proper ventilation through fans and air coolers
Safety Concerns and Unimplemented Orders
During Thursday's proceedings, Bhandarkar directed the bench's attention to the High Court's 2018 findings, which had formally acknowledged serious safety risks at the district court premises. He submitted that the earlier judicial order continues to hold the field and demands strict, time-bound compliance from responsible authorities.
Stalled Projects and Operational Consequences
Lakhani informed the court that despite the passage of several years, the proposed parking project remains stalled at the preliminary planning stage. This delay has exacerbated congestion problems and routinely obstructs emergency vehicles including ambulances and fire tenders. The intervention application noted that approximately 20,000 litigants visit the district court daily, in addition to thousands of advocates, judicial officers, and administrative staff—a volume that far exceeds the existing parking and circulation capacity.
Judicial Adjournment and Future Directions
After carefully considering all submissions, the bench adjourned the matter for two weeks. The court indicated that specific directions would follow during the next hearing, particularly concerning the stalled multi-level parking project and related measures to ensure safety, accessibility, and functional efficiency at one of Vidarbha's busiest judicial complexes.
