In the wake of a fire incident, the court mandates relocation to the incomplete Tower of Justice to ensure continuity in judicial functions.
In a significant move, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the immediate relocation of the District Judgeship in Gurugram to the newly constructed Judicial Courts Complex, known as the Tower of Justice. The decision comes after a devastating fire incident at the existing Court Complex, which severely disrupted judicial operations.
The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was initiated suo motu by the court on April 29, 2026, due to persistent delays in completing the new complex, originally slated for completion in October 2020. Despite repeated assurances from state authorities, the construction remained incomplete, prompting the court's intervention.
The urgency of the matter was heightened after the fire incident led to the destruction of crucial court records and rendered the existing building unfit for occupation. This forced the court to operate from a guest house, significantly hampering regular judicial functions and limiting operations to urgent matters only.
During the proceedings, the Engineer-in-Chief of Haryana's Public Works Department (PWD) assured the court that the new building was ready for use, despite pending statutory approvals. Reports from the District and Sessions Judge of Gurugram, however, highlighted various incomplete aspects of the building, including interior work, furniture installations, and unresolved sewerage issues. Additionally, essential clearances from the Pollution Control Board and the Fire Department are still awaited.
Despite these challenges, the court emphasized the need for immediate action in the public interest. The court acknowledged the Engineer-in-Chief's commitment to rectifying any remaining shortcomings promptly. It also noted that further delays would be detrimental to the public, given the curtailed judicial functions in the current setup.
The court's decision underscores the importance of maintaining judicial continuity and addressing infrastructural deficiencies that hinder legal proceedings. The formal inauguration of the new complex is scheduled for July 12, 2026, and the state authorities have been instructed to proceed with the shift, regardless of pending approvals.
An affidavit reporting compliance with these directives is to be submitted by July 21, 2026, ensuring that the transition is monitored closely.
Bottom line:-
Public Interest Litigation - Delay in completion of construction work of New Judicial Courts Complex, Gurugram - Immediate intervention required to safeguard the functioning of the judiciary after fire incident - Court directs shifting of the District Judgeship to the new complex in public interest, even as formal approvals are awaited.
Statutory provision(s): Environmental Clearance, Fire Department Clearance, Public Interest Litigation
Court on its Own Motion v. State of Haryana, (Punjab And Haryana)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2937604
