Rajasthan High Court Takes Suo Motu Action on Unsafe Dome
The Rajasthan High Court has initiated suo motu proceedings in response to alarming concerns regarding the structural integrity of its Jodhpur building. In a significant move, a Division Bench comprising Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Praveer Bhatnagar expressed grave concerns over the 21-meter-high central dome, which is reportedly on the brink of collapse. This assessment comes from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay.
The Court’s observations underscore the critical nature of this issue, emphasizing that the dome poses a severe threat to human safety. “This Court is gravely concerned with a matter of public importance and institutional significance, namely the structural condition of the building of the Rajasthan High Court, principal seat, including the central dome (approx. at a height of 21 metres) built and existing therein, which, according to the expert opinion of the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, is in a state of imminent collapse and may fall at any moment, thereby exposing the precious lives of all the stakeholders within the premises to grave and irreversible danger and damage,” stated the Court.
Recent Structural Failures Highlighted
The building, inaugurated in 2019, has exhibited significant structural failures within a short span. The Court noted multiple incidents of structural degradation, including parts of the roof collapsing in various courtrooms and chambers, a section of the dome roof giving way in April 2023, and plaster falling from the dome in April 2025. These occurrences, coupled with persistent water seepage, defective sanitary and drainage systems, corrosion of reinforcement steel, and inadequate fire-safety measures, paint a concerning picture.
An earlier investigation by an IIT Jodhpur committee found severe corrosion in the steel reinforcement, prompting the need for a comprehensive structural audit. This audit has projected the cost of necessary repairs and retrofitting at approximately ₹57.65 crore, indicating a broader systemic failure in maintaining and monitoring the building’s condition.
Urgent Measures and Future Hearings
IIT Bombay’s interim assessment revealed active corrosion in several structural elements, with about 40% of the inspected areas susceptible to concrete spalling. The experts recommended immediate actions, including cordoning off the dome area and addressing plumbing leaks.
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In response, the Court has ordered the establishment of round-the-clock structural monitoring, the preparation of a safety and evacuation protocol within 48 hours, and the execution of mock drills within 72 hours. Additionally, a 24×7 control room will be set up within the High Court premises to oversee these measures.
The Court has called upon the State and Central governments, as well as other concerned parties, to provide explanations for the ongoing structural issues. They must submit affidavits detailing the reasons for the defects and the responsibilities of the involved contractors and agencies. A time-bound plan for the permanent strengthening, reconstruction, or replacement of the dome is also required.
Senior officials, including the Rajasthan Chief Secretary, Principal Secretaries of the Finance and Public Works departments, and nominees from IIT Bombay and IIT Jodhpur, have been directed to appear before the Court. The next hearing is scheduled for August 24.
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Additional Advocate Generals Rajesh Panwar and Mahaveer Bishnoi, along with Deputy Solicitor General Shyam Sunder Paliwal, have appeared for various government departments. Senior Advocate Sachin Acharya and advocate Chayan Bothra represented the Registrar General of the High Court.
The Court has also appointed a team of lawyers to assist as Amicus Curiae in this matter. This team includes Senior Advocates Ravi Bhansali, GR Punia, Dhirendra Singh, Jagmal Singh Choudhary, Manish Shishodia, Vikas Balia, and Rajesh Joshi, alongside the Presidents and General Secretaries of the Rajasthan High Court Lawyers’ Association and Rajasthan High Court Advocates’ Association, Jodhpur, as ex officio members.
