Milestone Achieved: Delhi High Court Lays Foundation for Three New Court Complexes to Bring “Justice at Doorstep”
Delhi, July 2, 2024: In a significant move towards improving access to justice, the Delhi High Court’s Acting Chief Justice, Justice Manmohan, presided over the stone-laying ceremony for three new court complexes in the national capital on Tuesday. The event marked a crucial step in the “Justice at Doorstep” initiative, aimed at making the judicial system more accessible and efficient for all citizens.
Strengthening the District Judiciary
During the ceremony, ACJ Manmohan expressed his confidence in the milestone being achieved. “I have no doubts that today’s ceremony is a significant step forward in achieving the ‘Justice at Doorstep’ initiative, which aims to make justice more accessible and efficient for all citizens,” he said.
The judge highlighted that the planned court complexes in Rohini, Shastri Park, and Karkardooma are in line with the existing District Courts in Delhi, which are designed to be frugal and functional.
“These Court complexes will be universally accessible, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of physical ability, can navigate the premises comfortably. The structures are designed to be earthquake resilient, meeting all safety parameters to safeguard the well-being of all occupants,” ACJ Manmohan added.
Addressing the Shortage of Courtrooms
Underscoring the dire need for more courtrooms and infrastructure, the acting chief justice stated that by the end of 2024, the actual strength of the District judiciary in Delhi will be virtually at par with its sanctioned strength, with a shortage of only 188 courtrooms.
“Adequate infrastructure is crucial to ensure litigants can effectively access the courts,” ACJ Manmohan emphasized, highlighting the importance of these new court complexes in addressing the shortfall.
Future-Ready E-Courts
The new court buildings will be designed as future-ready e-courts, embracing digital advancements to enhance operational efficiency and accessibility. ACJ Manmohan noted that these complexes will seamlessly integrate the latest technological solutions to streamline court proceedings and improve the overall justice delivery system.
Detailed Plans for the Court Complexes
The acting chief justice provided specific details about the three new court complexes:
Rohini Court Complex:
- 102 courtrooms
- Auditorium with a capacity of 276
- Vulnerable witness deposition complexes
- Multi-level car parking for 483 cars
- 362 lawyers’ chambers
Shastri Park Court Complex:
- 48 courtrooms
- 175 lawyers’ desks to accommodate the growing needs of legal professionals
Karkardooma Court Complex:
- 50 courtrooms
- Connected to the main court complex via a foot-over bridge and skywalk, facilitating seamless integration and movement between the buildings
- Collaboration and Participation
The stone-laying ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including Chief Justice of India Dr. D.Y. Chandrachud, Supreme Court Judge Justice Hima Kohli, Lt. Governor of Delhi V.K. Saxena, and Delhi Law Minister Atishi. Judges of the Delhi High Court were also present, underscoring the collective effort and commitment to this significant initiative.
“The collaboration and participation of these eminent dignitaries further reinforce the importance of this project and the shared vision of providing accessible and efficient justice for all,” ACJ Manmohan said.
Ensuring Accessibility and Safety
The acting chief justice emphasized that the new court complexes will be designed with universal accessibility in mind, catering to individuals of all physical abilities. Additionally, the buildings will meet stringent safety standards, including earthquake resilience, to safeguard the well-being of all occupants.
“These measures reflect the judiciary’s dedication to creating an inclusive and secure environment for litigants, legal professionals, and court staff,” ACJ Manmohan stated.
Towards the “Justice at Doorstep” Vision
The stone-laying ceremony for the three new court complexes in Rohini, Shastri Park, and Karkardooma represents a significant milestone in the Delhi High Court’s “Justice at Doorstep” initiative. By enhancing the infrastructure and embracing digital advancements, the judiciary aims to make the justice system more accessible and efficient for all citizens in the national capital.
“Today’s event marks a crucial step forward in realizing the vision of bringing justice closer to the people, ensuring that everyone can effectively access the courts and seek the justice they deserve,” ACJ Manmohan concluded.
The successful completion of these court complexes is expected to contribute to the overall strengthening of the judicial infrastructure in Delhi, ultimately benefiting the thousands of litigants who seek recourse through the legal system every day.