Punjab and Haryana High Court Expansion Plan Gains Momentum

Court Orders Formation of Administrative Committee to Execute Modified Development Plan

In a significant move, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the formation of an Administrative Committee to oversee the extension and development of the High Court at its present location in Chandigarh. This decision comes after the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association passed a resolution opposing the relocation of the High Court to Sarangpur or any other alternative site. The resolution emphasized the importance of implementing a holistic plan and de-reserving adjoining forest land for the High Court’s expansion.

The judgment, delivered by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry, marks a pivotal step in addressing the long-standing infrastructure needs of the High Court. The court has mandated the Administrative Committee to deliberate and execute a modified holistic plan, taking into account the inputs from various stakeholders.

The Administrative Committee will consist of two sitting Judges from the High Court, representatives from the Bar Association, U.T. Administration, Union of India, and the High Court Employees Association. The U.T. Administration will be represented by its Chief Architect and Chief Engineer, while the Union of India will be represented by Additional Solicitor General Satya Pal Jain or his nominee.

The court has set a deadline for the nomination of members from the Bar Association and High Court Employees Association, requiring their names to be submitted by October 1, 2025. The Registry has been instructed to place the matter before the Chief Justice for the nomination of sitting Judges on the Administrative side.

The Administrative Committee is tasked with convening weekly meetings to ensure that all aspects are deliberated upon and a comprehensive plan is executed promptly. The court has scheduled the first meeting of the Committee for October 9, 2025, with further discussions planned for October 17, 2025.

This development underscores the commitment to enhancing the judicial infrastructure at the existing High Court location, aligning with the Bar Association’s resolution. The decision reflects a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders to achieve a sustainable solution for the High Court’s expansion and development.

Bottom Line:

Constitution of an Administrative Committee involving all stakeholders to ensure execution of a modified holistic plan for the extension and development of the Punjab and Haryana High Court at its present location, following a resolution by the Bar Association. 

Statutory provision(s): Not explicitly mentioned in the judgment.

Vinod Dhatterwal v. Union of India, (Punjab And Haryana)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2785835