Fazilka: Century-old judicial courts complex in a shambles

Praful Chander Nagpal

Fazilka, July 21

The century-old judicial court complex near the Fazilka railway station has been lying abandoned for a decade. The four major courtrooms, which witnessed several historic decisions, now themselves seem to seek justice.

The structure, situated in the heart of the town adjacent to sub-jail complex, is virtually turning into ruins.

The Bar Association Room inaugurated in 1986 is in a dilapidated condition. Congress grass has engulfed the old court, its records and staff rooms, spread across several acres.

Turning into ruins

• The structure, situated in the heart of the town adjacent to sub-jail complex, is turning into ruins
• Congress grass has covered the old courts complex that is spread over several acres
• A sadhu, who has occupied an abandoned room in the complex, said drug addicts often visited the area to consume drugs

When this correspondent visited the area, a sadhu (saint) who has occupied an abandoned record room said drug addicts often came to this area to consume drugs.

An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), who was coming out of one of the rooms, told The Tribune that some rooms had been occupied by the police personnel posted at the Fazilka City police station situated opposite the complex. They carried out their routine work in these rooms, the ASI added.

Fazilka residents have demanded heritage status and restoration of the building, which was abandoned after the courts were shifted to the District Court Complex about a decade ago. Residents have also demanded that a judicial and city museum be set up in the historical building, which was constructed during the British regime.

Navdeep Asija, general secretary (administration) of NGO Graduates Welfare Association, in a letter addressed to Acting Chief Justice-cum-Chairperson, Building Committee, Punjab and Haryana High Court, Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia said the building needed immediate attention.

According to sources, the ownership of the land vests in the state government and the girdawri of some part of the land is in the name of the Judicial Department and the Revenue Department.

“This 100-year-old architectural gem stands a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Fazilka,” said Municipal Council President Surinder Sachdeva.

It also reflected the use of traditional brick and mortar, he added, demanding that a museum, library, cafeteria and an educational and cultural hub be established here for the community.

Former Municipal Council President Anil Sethi said the museum could house exhibits showcasing the judicial system of the pre-independence era, providing insights into the legal framework of the time.