The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has breathed new life into a public interest litigation (PIL) advocating for the swift construction of a new court complex for the Jammu wing in Raika. The case, Arjun Gandotra v. UT of J&K, has resurfaced due to ongoing delays in the project despite assurances of progress.
Background of the PIL
In June 2023, the foundation stone for the new High Court building was ceremonially laid by former Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud. However, the momentum seems to have waned, prompting advocate Arjun Gandotra to file a petition in 2025 questioning the project’s sluggish advancement. Although initially closed in February 2026 after promises of substantial progress, the case was recently revived following concerns over persistent inactivity.
Current Proceedings
On August 14, a Division Bench comprising Justice Rajneesh Oswal and Justice Mohammad Yousuf Wani issued an order to revive the case. The court has requested a status report from the concerned authorities to assess the actual on-ground progress. The court remarked, “Prime facie case for issuance of notice is made out … The respondents shall file a status report with regard to steps taken by them for raising construction of High Court Complex at Raika by the next date of hearing.”
Further proceedings on August 29 resulted in the court granting an additional three-week period for the authorities to furnish a detailed status report. “We grant three weeks’ time to the respondents to do the needful, failing which, appropriate orders shall follow,” the court stated. The next hearing is scheduled for September 18.
Project Details
The proposed new complex is designed to be an eco-friendly judicial campus, sprawling over approximately 40 hectares of Raika-Bahu forest land. A comprehensive Project Report was prepared in November 2022, estimating the project cost at ₹922 crore.
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A significant meeting on March 1, 2023, between the Chief Justice of the High Court and the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, aimed to expedite administrative approvals and fund releases. The project officially broke ground on June 28, 2023, with a ceremony attended by top judicial and state officials.
Legal Representation
The legal team for the petitioner includes Senior Advocate Sunil Sethi and Advocate Navyug Sethi. Representing the Jammu and Kashmir administration is Senior Additional Advocate General Monika Kohli, with assistance from Advocate Sagira Jaffar. Other respondents are represented by Deputy Solicitor General of India Vishal Sharma, Central government Standing Counsel Karan Sharma, and Advocate Basit Manzoor Keng.
The PIL has also highlighted existing infrastructure challenges at the current High Court complex in Jammu’s Janipur area, citing issues like limited access, traffic congestion, inadequate parking, and safety concerns as pressing reasons for the new development.
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The court’s decision to revive the PIL underscores the importance of addressing these infrastructure issues promptly and efficiently. The next steps will be crucial in determining the fate of this pivotal project aimed at enhancing the judicial infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.
