‘Ceiling covering’ wasn’t part of Corbusier plan

Le Corbusier was apparently not in favour of a “ceiling covering” in front of the Secretariat-facing courtrooms in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, as evident from the Delhi High Court’s former Chief Justice Rajinder Sachar’s account in the HC’s golden jubilee souvenir.

The Chandigarh Heritage Conservation Committee (CHCC) has now granted approval for the construction of a verandah in front of court number 1, which serves as the courtroom of the Chief Justice.

Chief Justice Sachar was virtually of the opinion that trouble poured, along with the rain, for the advocates in Le Corbusier’s High Court. But the French architect was determined to not allow his original plan of architecture to be changed. The “verandah” there (in front of courtroom No. 2 to 9 at the same site) was actually completed in Corbusier’s absence.

"The courtrooms facing the Secretariat would, in the rainy season, get windy showers. We had to frequently put on raincoats and certainly carry umbrellas before entering the courtrooms," says Chief Justice Sachar. "The Bar tried several times to convince Corbusier to have a ceiling covering (like the existing one) to prevent the windy rain coming in, but he steadfastly refused…. His attitude was that of a knight in armour challenging the gods. He assumed that the weather gods would change its windy rain. But Corbusier would not allow his original plan of architecture to be changed, whatever inconveniences may follow".

Chief Justice Sachar goes on to say a "kind of benevolent conspiracy was hatched between the lawyers and the local engineers". It was resolved to complete the verandah the next time he went to Paris. "It was similar to our usual strategy, when we advise clients to delay the hearing of the case, if the matter is fixed before an inconvenient judge, who we know is shortly going on leave. Of course, Corbusier on his return was enraged and fuming, but the mischief had been done, so he was possibly reconciled unwillingly".

Chief Justice Sachar was also a member of United Nations Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and served as a counsel for the People's Union for Civil Liberties. He also chaired the Sachar Committee, constituted by the Government of India, which submitted a report on the social, economic and educational status of Muslims in India.

Designed by Le Corbusier, the High Court started functioning at Chandigarh from its present building in January 1955. It features a distinctive rhythmic arcade, sheltered by a parasol-like roof that casts a protective shade over the entire structure.

"Keeping in view the special dignity of the Judges, Le Corbusier created a special entrance for them through a high portico resting on three giant pylons painted in bright colours. Very much in the tradition of the Buland Darwaza of Fatehpur Sikri, this grand entrance with its awesome scale is intended to manifest the Majesty of the Law to all who enter," says the High Court website.