Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Nov 5: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Gavai on Wednesday emphasised that the upcoming Bombay High Court complex at Bandra (East) should reflect simplicity and democratic values rather than extravagance.
Speaking after laying the foundation stone for the new complex, CJI Gavai said the court building should symbolise justice and humility. “This building should be a temple of justice and not a seven-star hotel,” he remarked, adding that judges are not “feudal lords” but servants of the people.
The CJI underlined that the judiciary, legislature, and executive must all function under the Constitution to serve citizens and ensure justice for all. “While planning court buildings, we often focus on the needs of judges but must remember that we exist for the litigants,” he added.
Gavai revealed that this would be his last visit to Maharashtra before demitting office on November 24. “I am grateful that as a judge who served in the Bombay High Court, I end my tenure by laying the foundation stone for what will be one of the best court buildings in the country,” he said.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar were present on the occasion. Fadnavis stated that the new structure will complement the historic Bombay High Court building at Fort, which has stood since 1862. He assured that the project will embody democratic grandeur, not imperial design.
Architect Hafeez Contractor has been entrusted with designing the new complex, which will be AI-enabled and spread across 50 lakh square feet. The project, costing over Rs 4,000 crore, will be completed in phases.
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar informed that 15 acres of land have already been handed over for the project, and another 15 acres will be transferred by March 2026. He described the ceremony as a historic milestone in the 150-year legacy of the Bombay High Court.
CJI Gavai concluded by reaffirming that the judiciary’s true purpose lies in serving the people: “The bar and the bench are two wheels of the chariot of justice — both must move together to uphold faith in the institution.”