Architectural Clash Surrounds the New Bombay High Court: Where Classicism Meets the Legacy of Justice
A wave of sharp criticism erupted immediately after the committee unveiled the new high court design. The developers will build the complex in the Bandra-Kurla Complex . The move, though necessary for larger space, sparked a deep controversy over identity and function.
Challenging the Historical Memory: Can the New Scale Contain the Spirit of Justice?
Mumbai prepares to host a colossal judicial complex. The project spans 30 acres. It includes over 60 lakh square feet of built-up area. The goal is to accommodate 75 courtrooms and meet the rising demands of the judicial system. The construction plan for the new high court design targets a quantum leap in capacity.
However, the budget rose to ₹4,217 crore. This immense scale prompts questions about the new high court design’s ability to merge modern efficiency with the civic solemnity expected of a historic building. The Chief Justice of India, Justice B. R. Gavai, emphasized that the structure must represent a temple of justice reflecting democratic values.
Diverging Paths: A Look at Visitor Flow and Hierarchy
Reviewing the new high court design reveals the planner’s intent to regulate user movement. The plan allocates separate entrances and dedicated lifts for judges. This arrangement aims for operational efficiency and judicial speed. Yet, critics interpret it as reinforcing institutional hierarchy.
This segregation drew criticism. Critics saw the design as prioritizing the judiciary’s comfort. This came at the expense of the ordinary litigant’s experience. Critics described the design as making the litigant feel like a supplicant. This contradicts the globally observed concept of equality, seen in the UK Supreme Court, for instance.
Echoes of Old Architecture: The Battle of Classical and Neo-Classical Identity
The core of the dispute lies in the architectural style selection. The committee approved a design following the Classical Neo-Classical style. This choice met fierce backlash.
Some argue this style mimics colonial buildings. They believe it fails to express the current architectural identity of Mumbai. Other architects proposed drawing inspiration from the old Victorian-Gothic charm. They focused on creating open and welcoming spaces.
The criticism centered on the fact that the new high court design overlooked function and sustainability. Critics also questioned the design selection competition process itself. Architects pointed to a lack of transparency and clear criteria.
✦ ArchUp Editorial View
The controversy over the new high court design exposes a systemic conflict between demands for institutional modernity and democratic contextual awareness. The classical design choice signals a preference for articulating authoritative grandeur over functional transparency . This reinforces former Justice Patel’s critique of the colonial mindset. Alternative visions focusing on functionality and the heritage of the Victorian Gothic style offer a positive future path. This project exemplifies the need to review selection standards for public projects . This ensures architecture reflects accountability and equality.
