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News Topical, Digital Desk : Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Gavai has said that the new Bombay High Court building to be constructed in Mumbai should be free from extravagance and should become a temple of justice, not a 7-star hotel. Addressing a gathering after laying the foundation stone of the building in Bandra (East) on Wednesday, CJI Gavai stressed that the new building should not resemble an imperialist structure, but should be in consonance with the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution. The CJI suggested that extravagance should be avoided in the new building and reminded that 'judges are no longer landlords'. The entire project is estimated to cost more than Rs 4,000 crore.
'This building should be a temple of justice, not a 7-star hotel'
The CJI said, "I read in some newspapers that the building is wasteful. There is a provision for two judges to share a lift. Whether the judge is from the High Court, the trial court or the Supreme Court, all institutions - the judiciary, the executive and the legislature - work under the Constitution to serve the last citizen of the country. To provide justice to the society." He stressed on maintaining the grandeur and iconic structure of the building. The CJI said, “While planning court buildings, we keep the needs of the judges in mind, but we should not forget that we exist to serve the needs of citizens and litigants. This building should be a temple of justice, not a seven-star hotel.”
I was hesitant to attend the event.
CJI Gavai, who will assume office on May 14, 2025, stated that this is his last visit to Maharashtra before his term ends on November 24, and that he is satisfied with the judicial structure in his home state. He said, "I was initially hesitant to attend this event. But now I am grateful that as a judge who once served in the Bombay High Court, I am concluding my tenure by laying the foundation stone of the finest court building in the country. The judiciary, legislature, and executive should work to provide justice to society under the Constitution. Today is a significant moment and an important milestone in the history of the Bombay High Court."
'Judiciary is there to serve litigants'
CJI Gavai revealed that he was initially hesitant to attend the foundation stone laying ceremony, but changed his mind when he learned that it was uncertain when a Bombay High Court judge would again hold the country's highest judicial office. He said that once completed, the building would be the most iconic structure on Mumbai's Western Express Highway. The CJI disagreed with criticism that Maharashtra lags behind in providing infrastructure for the judiciary. He said that during his short tenure, he had laid the foundation stone or inaugurated several judicial buildings in the state. He stressed that the judiciary is there to serve litigants who come seeking justice.
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