Chandigarh, 14 January 2025: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Chandigarh Administration to provide a detailed affidavit clarifying the legal status of the Le Corbusier Foundation, Paris, and the Chandigarh Heritage Committee.
It also sought information on the terms under which the High Court’s original building was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The directive came during a suo motu hearing addressing the High Court’s comprehensive development, including the contentious construction of a verandah outside the chief justice’s courtroom.
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In its 24th meeting on September 19, the Chandigarh Heritage Conservation Committee approved the verandah “in principle,” subject to consultation with the Le Corbusier Foundation for necessary drawings.
The Archaeological Survey of India was also asked for approval. However, on January 10, the Supreme Court stayed a High Court order issued on November 29 directing the verandah’s construction.
It also halted contempt proceedings against the UT Chief Engineer for non-compliance, citing potential risk to the Capitol Complex’s UNESCO World Heritage status.
The Chandigarh Administration challenged the order in the Supreme Court, arguing that the project might jeopardize the site’s heritage designation. Senior advocate PS Patwalia appeared as amicus curiae.
As the case resumed, Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sudhir Singh underlined the need for a comprehensive affidavit.
“Clarify the legal status of the Le Corbusier Foundation and the Chandigarh Heritage Committee,” the Bench instructed, also urging sustainable development measures such as transforming the “kutcha” parking lot into a dual-purpose green area with additional tree plantations.
The Bar Association’s counsel flagged parking scarcity around the heritage building. The Bench proposed upgrading the area with “green pavers,” referencing similar modifications near the Punjab MLA Hostel.
Besides, it was revealed that the UT Administration had paid over ₹22 lakh in environmental compensation for diverting 0.2159 hectares of forest land adjacent to the Rock Garden, a move that previously exacerbated traffic congestion around the court.
Assuring the court, Additional Solicitor General Satya Pal Jain stated that the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change would authorize the change of land use from forest to non-forest within a week.
The Bench reiterated its hope for timely resolution to alleviate disruptions near the High Court complex.