AdminJustice (retired) Gautam Patel has branded the new Bombay High Court building design in Mumbai a “missed opportunity”, sparking a heated debate among architects, former judges and legal practitioners over whether the monument will better serve litigants or simply add grandeur to a judicial hub.
Background and Context
After former Chief Justice of India, B. R. Gavai, laid the foundation stone for a modern court complex in Bandra, the project attracted scrutiny from the very people who will use it daily. The old courthouse in Kasturba Road has long been criticized for overcrowding, inadequate sanitation and confusing layouts that delay proceedings. A new design was shortlisted through an international competition, with Hafeez Contractor’s entry ultimately chosen. Yet, within weeks, the building’s aesthetic focus on monumentality has drawn reproach from those who see courts as institutions that must prioritize function over form.
The central issue is not purely architectural; it speaks to the trend of transforming public sector buildings into showcase projects that balance heritage, sustainability and accessibility. In Mumbai’s fast‑growing legal landscape, the capacity to conduct case hearings smoothly and efficiently is critical to mind‑a‑lot-of-Indian students who aspire to practice law, not to say the wide network of students seeking internships or research opportunities within legal institutions.
Key Developments
At a high‑profile exhibition and panel in Mumbai, Justice Patel voiced his concerns: “If judges have not consulted with judicial staff, the outcome will be a building that feels like a luxury hotel, not a court,” he said. He highlighted several core deficiencies:
- Litigator‑centric Design – The current layout places courts, judge chambers and support services at a distance, potentially slowing the movement of heavy bags of documentation. Delhi High Court’s model, he cited, includes wide ramps to facilitate easy transfer, an approach that is missing in the Bandra design.
- Climate Resilience – Mumbai’s monsoon climate and rising temperatures demand passive cooling, solar shading and rainwater harvesting. The selected design, according to experts, lacks advanced environmental controls.
- Private Discussion Spaces – Lawyers often need private rooms to confer with clients amid sensitive proceedings. The new structure offers only generic conference rooms.
- Bench Height and Vantage – Modern ergonomic standards suggest lower, accessible surfaces for judges and staff to reduce fatigue. The marble façade, he noted, may conflict with these guidelines.
- Maintenance and Cleanability – The architect’s design includes a large dome and extensive glass panels. Questions remain about who will maintain these elements, particularly during corona or monsoon upsurges.
Mustansir Dalvi, former professor at the JJ School of Art and Architecture, reflected on the debate, stating that “grand staircases, while visually impressive, can be impractical and impede flow.” He urged architects to consider contemporary patterns of use instead of defaulting to colonial symmetries.
Abha Lamba, a conservation architect involved in the selection process, defended the fairness of the competition, noting that six entries were reviewed by a jury of 30 judges, including representatives from the legal community. “The process was transparent, and monumentality was a key criterion,” she said.
Impact Analysis
For international students pursuing degrees in law or internships with the High Court, the design debate translates into tangible implications. A court that prioritizes accessibility could:
- Reduce time spent walking between chambers and evidence storage, affecting court schedules.
- Offer better environmental controls, enhancing working conditions for clerks and researchers.
- Provide designated briefing rooms, enabling student interns to interact with lawyers effectively.
Conversely, if the building remains too grandiose with limited functional zoning, students and young advocates may find the courtroom environment intimidating and less conducive to learning. An inefficient layout could delay case hearings, leading to extended court calendars that ripple through law‑school moot competitions and public‑interest litigation schedules.
Expert Insights & Practical Tips
To navigate the evolving judicial infrastructure, students should:
- Familiarize with the layout—when available, request a guided tour of the new premises to understand the spatial flow before securing internship slots.
- Check environmental certifications—buildings that meet LEED or Green Building Council standards typically provide better air quality and natural lighting, which can aid concentration during long hearings.
- Seek mentorship—connect with seasoned advocates who have practiced in both the old and new courthouses to compare procedural efficiencies.
- Engage in feedback forums—many law colleges host online discussions where international students can voice concerns about court infrastructure. Participation can influence design improvements.
Architectural critics advise developers to adopt scalable modular designs that allow for future technological upgrades—especially relevant for digital‑document management systems that are becoming the “heartbeat” of modern courts.
Looking Ahead
The debate is already shaping policy discussions in the High Court’s Administrative Council. As construction progresses, the Council may revise certain design elements based on stakeholder input. If successful, the project could set a benchmark for judicial buildings across India, encouraging a shift from monumentality to functionality.
For the broader legal community, the situation underscores the necessity of aligning public architecture with the daily realities of justice administration. Future courts may need to embrace user‑centred designs that integrate climate resilience, digital infrastructure, and inclusive spatial planning to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving legal practice.
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