DELHI BAR ASSOCIATION Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) I. A. No. 7/2001. Application to implead Ministry of Urban development as a respondent is allowed. Cause title be amended.

(2.) In this application filed on behalf of the Union of India, it is stated that the expense for the Ministry of External Affairs to move out of the Patiala House should be borne by the National Capital Territory of Delhi because the establishment of Courts is the responsibility of the Local Government. While this may be so, there can be no denying of the fact that for the "unique" structure which we have in Delhi, land and building comes under the jurisdiction of the Central Government. Patiala House was not meant to be housing Court rooms. It is ill-suited for the same but out of necessity, it is being used for housing subordinate Courts. It will be appropriate that a new building is constructed for which sufficient land has to be allotted by the Union of India on which the Delhi Government will be required to raise the necessary construction. The land which is to be allotted should be sufficient to enable the construction of approximately one lakh sq. feet to be apportioned between the Court building and the lawyers' chambers in an appropriate manner, of which approximately 10,000 to 20,000 sq. ft. should be earmarked for the purpose of the bar.

(3.) Learned Solicitor General states that he will inform the Court on the next date of hearing the about land which can be ear-marked for this purpose.