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(ARCHIVE) Vol. XXI No. 17, December 16-31, 2011
A High Court need
(By the Editor)

– To gift its building new life

The High Court of Madras, one of the three courts of judicature established by royal charter, the other two being Calcutta and Bombay, turns 150 this year. It is a memorable milestone in the life of a landmark institution, set in a landmark campus. A year-long series of celebrations has been planned. The first of these was held in November with a foundation stone laid for the construction of a museum within the campus. While this is a welcome move, it would perhaps also be appropriate if the restoration of the 120-year-old building, arguably one of Chennai’s best recognised heritage structures, is taken up on a priority basis.

The High Court of Madras has always been a supporter of heritage. Landmark judgements have been made in the past few years on issues concerning historic buildings – the DGP Office on Beach Road was saved thanks to the Court. Judgements also prevented the demolition of Bharat Insurance Building and Gokhale Hall, though these have now been appealed against and these appeals are pending in the Supreme Court. As many as 400 or so heritage buildings now enjoy a modicum of protection thanks to the Court declaring them as structures worthy of preservation and ensuring that the Government set up a Heritage Conservation Committee to look after their welfare.

The High Court is also deeply conscious of its own history. A functional museum – a pleasure to visit – is already in place within the main building and has a curator. The proposed museum building will no doubt be a larger structure, worthy of a 150-year-old institution. Early in 2007 the High Court also set up a Heritage and Environment Committee under the then Chief Justice. Comprising judges, lawyers and INTACH members, the Committee was to undertake a phased restoration of the building, to be completed by 2012 when the 150th year would end. However, after the initial enthusiasm, the working of the Committee slowed down and there is as yet no plan for work to be taken up on the building.

The campus, described by Lord Wenlock, Governor of Madras at the time of its inauguration in 1892, as leaving nothing to be desired in beauty of design or perfection of execution, has been showing signs of stress in the last few years. The number of people in the premises has gone up exponentially and so has the corresponding demand for public conveniences and vehicle parking spaces. The response to these has been haphazard. Toilets have come up at all available spots with no concern for the well-being of the historic building.

The PWD, which is in charge of maintenance, has been wanting in its care. A few months ago, a massive pillar supporting the main structure was drilled halfway, with no thought to the possible long-term effect. This was objected to by heritage enthusiasts among the judiciary and the work was stopped. The installation of airconditioning was, however, allowed to go through, with holes being made in the walls and unsightly ducts covering most of the ceilings. The proliferation of coal dust, thanks to the presence of the Port close by, is an added problem. Most of the historic portraits are covered with grime and cry for restoration.

If this is the condition of the High Court, the situation in subordinate courts is said to be far worse. Newspapers have been repeatedly highlighting the problems and litigants and lawyers have been asking for improvements. But with the PWD invariably in-charge, work has not been in keeping with the heritage nature of the structures.

It is in the light of the above that the Heritage and Environment Committee needs to be revived immediately. It has to be given a clear-cut and time-bound mandate for completion of its work, so that the High Court’s building stands out as an example of what a heritage structure can be like, if cared for well.


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In this issue

A High Court need
New roads for old
Rare sightings
Stop that pedestrian
The Madras Nabobs of Berkshire
A footnote on the Centenary of the Coronation Durbar
The Madras High Court
Chennai wildlife

Our Regulars

Short 'N' Snappy
a-Musing
Our Readers Write
Quizzin' with Ram'nan
Dates for your diary

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