SC to have new 5-storey structure spread over 86,000 square metres

With a new five-storey structure spread over 86,000 square metres with two basements planned to be built, the Supreme Court building at Tilak Marg in the national capital is all set to undergo expansion to accommodate more courtrooms.

“We are not just adding space but expanding to deliver justice timely,” said Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud after the groundbreaking ceremony which was also attended by Union Power and Housing Minister Manohar Lal and Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.

"This expansion shall serve as a living entity like our Constitution adapting to the needs of society holding firm to core values such as justice, liberty and equality. Today's event signifies not only physical expansion but to see it is responsive to the growing needs of the nation," the CJI said.

Supreme Court judges Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, Vikram Nath and BV Nagarathna and former top court judge Sanjay Kishan Kaul were also present on the occasion.

Spread over 38,250 square metres, the first phase is expected to be complete in 29 months. The ground floor will be dedicated to utility spaces for lawyers, including a library, canteen, and offices for the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) while the upper floors will have courtrooms, court offices and chambers.

The fifth floor will have space for a special 17-judge Bench, sources said.

The second phase will cover 48,250 square metres and will add 29 courtrooms along with additional court offices and chambers, they said.