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The Maharashtra government has allocated 30 acres in Bandra East's government colony for the new Bombay High Court complex, addressing severe space constraints at the existing 1878 Fort premises. Architect Hafeez Contractor will design the facility, featuring 75 courtrooms, judge residences, lawyers' chambers, archives, and amenities like daycare and parking. The move follows Supreme Court directives and a 2019 ruling, with phased handovers already underway. The broader 90-acre site will also host up to twelve 16-storey towers for civil servant housing and revenue-generating residential sales. The current Fort building, originally meant for 15 judges, now struggles to house 35 in overcrowded conditions.
The Maharashtra government recently designated approximately 30-acres of the Bandra East government colony to develop the new Bombay High Court complex. This move follows earlier directives by the Supreme Court, which took note of persistent space shortages in the existing Fort premises. Advertisement
The plot, part of a sprawling 90-acre government colony originally built between the late 1950s and early 1970s, once housed over 4,700 flats in 370 buildings many now demolished due to structural concerns. Over the past year, PWD cleared encroachments and vacated dangerous quarters to expedite this crucial handover.
Senior officials have confirmed that handover is proceeding in a phased manner, with tranches already delivered and the next expected soon. This cements a long-delayed plan since 2012, prompted by public interest litigation and reinforced by a 2019 court ruling.
Last week, it was announced that award-winning architect Hafeez Contractor will lead the design of the complex. He is said to be finalising plans for 75 courtrooms, residences for junior judges, lawyers' chambers, archives, an auditorium, mediation centre, library, and staff amenities including parking and daycare facilities. The foundation stone was laid late last year by the Chief Justice of India.
The broader redevelopment of the remaining 60-acres includes up to twelve 16-storey towers ten in the current phase designed to rehouse civil servants and generate revenue through residential sales. PWD has handed over a few buildings with occupation certificates, with plans progressing for more to accommodate officers from Class-1 through Class-4.
The 1878 Gothic structure in Fort, which was initially designed for 15 judges and six courts, now accommodates nearly 35 judges across 29 courtrooms, many in makeshift spaces. With sanctioned judicial strength now at 94, pressure on infrastructure has become unsustainable resulting in their decision to develop a new complex.
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