Chandigarh, Nov 22: — Facing a persistent space shortage, a committee appointed to chart the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s expansion has recommended constructing four new blocks and majorly increasing parking capacity at the Capitol Complex, calling the proposal a “blend of heritage and modern facilities.”
During a resumed hearing in a 2023 public interest litigation, the committee led by Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra submitted a comprehensive blueprint on Friday. The committee noted that the existing court building, designed by architect Le Corbusier and inaugurated in 1955, is no longer adequate for the caseload and administrative requirements. “This proposal ensures continuity of heritage and introduction of modern facilities,” the committee stated, according to people present.
The blueprint suggests three additional blocks spread across 11.42 lakh square feet behind the heritage structure, along with around 11.17 lakh square feet of new parking space within the Capitol Complex. Under the plan, the current advocate general offices of Punjab and Haryana, the judicial record room, and old lawyers’ chambers—covering roughly 2.07 lakh square feet—would be demolished and integrated into the new extension.
Officials familiar with the plan noted that the overhaul would allow for more judicial capacity. The High Court presently houses 69 courtrooms, and the new blocks could create space for another 25 to 30, alongside additional lawyers’ chambers, upgraded AG offices, and commercial sections. “The final numbers will be clear only once the internal architecture is formulated,” a source said.
The proposal also includes a three-level basement parking system, with only three above-ground floors permitted to protect the original skyline. If approved, the court’s overall parking capacity would rise to nearly 22 lakh square feet.
Because the Capitol Complex is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, the plan will require the agency’s clearance before work begins. UNESCO in earlier years rejected both the 2014 comprehensive redevelopment design and a subsequent parking plan. According to insiders, the committee intends to prepare the final documentation within 10 to 15 days for submission by December. “If we miss the window, execution will be set back by at least a year,” an official said, noting that UNESCO considers next year’s projects only until the end of December each year.
