HC seeks plan on toilets, covered walkways on court complex

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Friday asked the UT Administration to apprise the Bench regarding the decision for covered walkways and improved public conveniences on the complex for public and litigants alike.

As the public interest litigation revolving around better infrastructural facilities and traffic management on the court complex came up for resumed hearing, the Bench headed by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu was acquainted with issues such as absence of public toilets. It was pointed out that in the absence of such facilities, people were frequently using the open area behind the heritage building.

The Bench also noted the Bar’s request for a covered pathway from the kutcha parking to the High Court’s Gate No. 1 and from the lawyers’ chambers to Gate No. 4, both of which were heavily used by advocates.

“It just has to be covered — maybe with tinsheds or whatever material is suitable — but we need some kind of a cover,” the Chief Justice observed. Before parting with the order, the Bench asked UT senior standing counsel and senior advocate Amit Jhanji to seek instructions before apprising the Bench.