Courts made with hope, not just concrete, says CJI Chandrachud

“Court premises like all buildings are not just made up of bricks and concrete… they are made of hope,” he added while laying the foundation stone of the three court buildings. Supreme Court’s Justice Hima Kohli, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, and Delhi Law Minister Atishi were among those in attendance at the Karkardooma Court complex. Pointing out that Delhi’s infrastructure must reflect the reality of climate change, the Chief Justice of India pointed out that the “new court buildings will have shaded facades, diffusion of natural light, and a significant capacity for storage of water, including rainwater harvesting.”

“This year, Delhi experienced the hottest weather on record. We have experienced heat waves followed by record-breaking rain in a single day. Our infrastructure must reflect reality,” he added.

Calling courts essential public service providers, the Chief Justice of India also said that they were “the repository of procedures and an accumulation of social history”. “Judges apply the present law drawing upon the past law to shape the future law,” he added.

Sharing details about the new court buildings, Delhi High Court Judge Justice Rajiv Shakhder. said, “The three court structures that we aim to construct would comprise 208 courts, 401 lawyer chambers with facilities of vulnerable witnesses courts, multi-level parking, and an auditorium. All of this would not have been possible without the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India and the active participation of office of L-G and Minister Atishi’s support.”

Atishi said, “As we lay down the foundation stone here, I recall the words of the Preamble of the Indian Constitution – ‘We the people of India having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a sovereign, socialist and democratic republic’. We are today fulfilling the promise of justice.”

Acting Chief Justice of Delhi High Court Manmohan said the three projects were pending approval since March 2021. “Let me say this candidly, without the efforts of CJI DY Chandrachud, these projects would not have been a reality. These buildings will be green buildings reflecting our dedication to sustainable development,” he said. L-G Saxena also pointed out the commitment of the court buildings to sustainable development coupled with the use of technology. “The preparedness for any natural disaster will also be there,” he said.