Maharashtra – The Maharashtra state government will conduct the Bombay High Court bhoomi poojan ceremony at Bandra East on November 5, marking a transformative moment in the judiciary’s infrastructure development. This groundbreaking event addresses the severe space constraints at the 146-year-old heritage building in Fort, which has long struggled to accommodate the growing judicial workload and expanding bench strength.
Bombay High Court Bhoomi Poojan: Distinguished Attendees
The Bombay High Court bhoomi poojan ceremony, strategically scheduled to coincide with Guru Nanak Jayanti, will witness the presence of distinguished dignitaries. Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai will grace the occasion alongside Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. Their collective presence underscores the project’s significance for Maharashtra’s judicial infrastructure and the state’s commitment to modernizing its legal framework.
The timing of the Bombay High Court bhoomi poojan on a day of religious importance adds spiritual significance to this historic administrative milestone, symbolizing auspicious beginnings for the ambitious judicial complex.
Revised Project Cost and Tender Details
The Public Works Department published the tender notice on Friday for this ambitious project, revealing that the Bombay High Court bhoomi poojan initiates a complex now estimated at ₹4,217 crore. This represents a substantial increase from the earlier estimate of ₹3,750 crore, reflecting comprehensive planning and enhanced specifications for the modern judicial facility.
The revised budget for the project marked by the Bombay High Court bhoomi poojan demonstrates the government’s serious commitment to creating world-class judicial infrastructure that meets contemporary standards and future requirements.
Architectural Marvel Spanning 30 Acres
Following the Bombay High Court bhoomi poojan, construction will commence on a sprawling 30-acre complex featuring over 60 lakh square feet of built-up area—roughly equivalent to six Oval Maidans. This massive scale reflects the judiciary’s growing needs and the vision for a comprehensive judicial hub.
The design that will materialize after the Bombay High Court bhoomi poojan was created by renowned architect Hafeez Contractor. His design, selected through a competitive process conducted by the PWD, received approval from the High Court’s steering committee, ensuring it meets both aesthetic and functional requirements.
Modern Design Features
The complex whose construction begins with the Bombay High Court bhoomi poojan will showcase distinctive architectural elements. The main building features a semi-circular façade and will rise four storeys high, crowned by an impressive 50-metre-high Ashoka pillar symbolizing justice and authority. The central dome will soar to 70 metres, creating a landmark visible across the Bandra landscape.
The Bombay High Court bhoomi poojan marks the start of a facility designed with 75 courtrooms, each equipped with dedicated waiting areas. This thoughtful planning directly addresses the congestion problems that currently plague the existing Fort premises, where litigants and advocates often struggle to find adequate space.
Separate Access Points
Understanding the need for security and efficiency, the complex launching with the Bombay High Court bhoomi poojan will feature separate entry points. One entrance will serve judges and judicial officers exclusively, while another will accommodate advocates, litigants, and visitors. This segregation ensures smooth flow and maintains judicial dignity.
Also Read: Shocking Mumbai Hostage Incident: Rohit Aarrya’s Film Connection
Replacing Colonial-Era Infrastructure
The necessity for the project marked by the Bombay High Court bhoomi poojan stems from acute space shortages at the Fort building, a Gothic-style structure built in 1878. Originally designed for 15 judges and seven courts, this colonial-era landmark now accommodates 29 courts and 35 judges, with several additional courts operating from makeshift offices.
The High Court’s sanctioned strength has expanded to 94 judges, making the new complex an urgent requirement. The Bombay High Court bhoomi poojan thus represents not merely expansion but essential modernization.
Strategic Site Selection
The location for the Bombay High Court bhoomi poojan was selected after careful evaluation of multiple options, including sites at Mumbai Port Authority, Goregaon, and Wadala. The Bandra East site, part of a 90-acre government colony near the Bandra-Kurla Complex and Western Express Highway, offers strategic advantages.
The site provides easy access from South Mumbai via the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and Mumbai Coastal Road, ensuring convenient connectivity for all stakeholders who will use the facility inaugurated by the Bombay High Court bhoomi poojan.
Site Preparation and Redevelopment
The colony originally comprised 370 buildings with over 4,700 flats for government employees, constructed between 1958 and 1973. Many low-rise structures had deteriorated due to age and creek proximity. So far, 68 buildings have been demolished, with the state handing over 30 acres in phases for the court complex.
On remaining land, the government plans high-rise residential towers for employees. Of 12 proposed towers, two have partial occupation certificates while others remain under construction. Additionally, 46 flats for Class I officers, 72 for Class II officers, and new buildings for Class III and IV staff are planned or completed.
Project Specifications Summary
The Bombay High Court bhoomi poojan initiates a project with impressive specifications: 30 acres in Bandra East, ₹4,217 crore investment, over 60 lakh square feet built-up area, 75 courtrooms, semi-circular facade, 50-metre Ashoka pillar, 70-metre dome, and separate entrances. Hafeez Contractor’s architectural vision ensures this complex will stand as a testament to modern judicial infrastructure.
As Maharashtra prepares for this historic ceremony, the Bombay High Court bhoomi poojan represents more than groundbreaking—it symbolizes the judiciary’s evolution and the state’s commitment to justice infrastructure befitting India’s financial capital.
