Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai laid the foundation stone for the new Bombay High Court complex in Bandra East on Wednesday, urging designers to avoid extravagance and create a "temple of justice" rather than a seven-star hotel. Speaking to a gathering of judges, lawyers, and officials, he stressed that the building must embody democratic values from the Constitution, not imperial grandeur. Gavai dismissed notions of judges as "feudal lords," emphasizing that all branches of government serve the common citizen. He highlighted media reports criticizing shared lifts for judges, reinforcing that judicial infrastructure should prioritize public needs over luxury.

Gavai, who took office on May 14, 2025, and will retire on November 24, called this his final visit to Maharashtra and expressed pride in contributing to what he believes will be India's finest court building. Initially reluctant to attend, he changed his mind upon learning it might be rare for a Bombay High Court alumnus to hold the CJI post again. He pushed back against claims of Maharashtra lagging in judicial infrastructure, noting his tenure saw multiple inaugurations and foundation stones laid across the state. The CJI underscored that courts exist for litigants seeking justice, with the bar and bench as equal wheels driving the chariot of justice.

The new complex, set to become an iconic landmark on Mumbai's Western Express Highway, will span 50 lakh square feet across 30 acres, with 15 acres already transferred and the rest by March 2026. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis echoed Gavai's vision, instructing architect Hafeez Contractor to keep the design democratic and grand without imperialism. He revealed the historic 1862 High Court building cost just Rs 16,000, with savings, and promised ample space for government legal officers as the state's largest litigants. Fadnavis assured the AI-enabled project would finish on schedule.

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Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde hailed the event as a historic milestone in the Bombay High Court's 150-year legacy, complementing the existing Fort structure in South Mumbai. Pawar detailed the land handover timeline, while Shinde emphasized no funding shortages for the over Rs 4,000 crore project. Both expressed confidence in its iconic status, blending modern tech with accessibility.

As the judiciary, executive, and legislature collaborate under the Constitution, Gavai's remarks signal a shift toward citizen-centric infrastructure. The new complex aims to enhance efficiency for millions of litigants, marking a new era for one of India's oldest high courts while honoring its role in landmark national moments.

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