CHANDIGARH, July 15 — The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Chandigarh Administration to explore the possibility of constructing its new complex in the IT Park area, citing impracticalities with the currently earmarked site in Sarangpur village due to restricted access and chronic traffic congestion near PGIMER.
“The 15 acres allotted and the proposed additional 33 acres in Sarangpur may not be practical since access to the area is frequently obstructed by heavy traffic at PGIMER square,” a Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry observed during a recent hearing. The court emphasized that logistical hurdles at Sarangpur necessitate a fresh search for an alternative site, with IT Park emerging as a viable option.
The remarks came during deliberations on a larger plan for the High Court’s infrastructure and development. The Bench noted that the current challenges surrounding the Sarangpur site forced it to rethink the location altogether. “Such a good building you have. It’s a unique building. I have not seen such a building in the entire country. And yet you are compelling people to leave this building by your adamancy,” the judges remarked, addressing the Chandigarh Administration.
During the hearing, UT Senior Standing Counsel Amit Jhanji informed the court that furnishing work on four floors—including the basement—of a Sector-17 building designated for High Court administrative branches would be completed and handed over shortly. Based on this assurance, the Bench refrained from issuing any further directions on the matter.
On landscaping the kutcha parking area, Jhanji said revised architectural drawings were being finalized and would be submitted within a week for approval by the High Court’s Building Committee. The Committee was also urged to incorporate suggestions from the Bar and expedite a decision.
The court was also apprised that revised designs for a verandah in front of Courtroom No. 1 had been completed and that the structure would be ready by August 25. Accordingly, the Bench scheduled August 1 as the next date of hearing to track progress on all pending infrastructure matters.
The High Court’s push to reassess the construction site comes amid a broader effort to streamline and future-proof judicial infrastructure in the region, balancing architectural heritage, accessibility, and operational efficiency.
