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Published by akash.joshi11, 2018-08-01 02:38:50

Architecture Justice_Web

Architecture Justice_Web

ARCHITECTURE
of JUSTICE

A pictorial walk-through of the Supreme Court
and the High Courts of India

VINAVYINTHAYATKHUARKUANR ADNADMAOMGOHGHTTHHAAKKUURR



ARCHITECTURE
of JUSTICE

A pictorial walk-through of the Supreme Court
and the High Courts of India

by
VINAY THAKUR

and
AMOGH THAKUR



ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

It has taken me a year to come to this point, to share the outcome of a dream Harish Salve, Sr. Advocate – for suggesting the title – Architecture of Justice,
project that I embarked upon almost 2 years ago. befitting the matter in this book

At the outset, I would like to thank Justice Sharad Bobde whose vision it was to Zia Mody, Advocate – for pre-ordering the book at the designing stage itself,
start a journey documenting the various high courts in the country. The that gave me the required push to start this project.
publishing of the book, ‘Courts of India – Past to Present’, was an important
first step that gave birth to this coffee table book – ‘Architecture of Justice’. To my family who has always been a source of strength. I could not have
done this without them.
I am grateful to the Hon’ble Supreme Court for giving me permission to use the
unpublished images shot by me for this coffee table book. This has not only My elder brother, Vivek Thakur, Advocate – who has been my pillar of
validated the effort and time involved, but ensured that the magnificence of strength. Thank you for always believing in me.
these court buildings has been duly celebrated and showcased.
My wife, Anjali Thakur, Advocate – for meticulously planning our schedules
This pictorial documentation was truly a difficult one, had it not been for the and accompanying me on these shoots. You have been my emotional anchor
guidance and support of key people that made this task effortless. I am truly through it all. I cannot thank you enough for standing beside me and being
thankful to each one of you for your involvement at every step of the way. as passionately involved in this journey.

Justice T.S Thakur (Retired Chief Justice of India) – whose inputs at timely My elder son, Amogh – completing this massive feat within a span of
intervals provided a valuable perspective to the project. 6 months would not have been possible without you. Thank you for
accompanying me on this journey. The perspective that your lens captured
Special committee chaired by Justice Sharad Bobde, with Justice Rohington F. has truly lent the book a new lease of life.
Nariman and Justice Uday U. Lalit of Supreme Court of India – who considered
my appointment fit for the task of documenting the high courts. My daughter-in-law, Revati – whose writing helped bring to life the pictures
in this book.
Justice S. Ravindra Bhat, Judge Delhi High Court – whose information on the
courts’ historical background provided direction and meaning to the entire My nephew, Harish Thakur, Advocate – for referencing information and
documentation process. validating the matter on the high courts. Your keen eye for detail was of
great help.
Ravindra Maithani, Secretary General Supreme Court – ensuring timely
permissions with the various high courts that greatly enabled the process. I present to you, my dream, ‘Architecture of Justice’ – A Pictorial
walk-through of the Supreme Court and the High Courts of India.
Dr. R. K. Srivatava Additional Registrar, Judges Library and Secretary of the
special committee set up for the book – who worked tirelessly towards planning Vinay. R. Thakur
and managing the on-ground logistics with flawless precision. Nagpur, India.

















CONTENTS

4 16 28 38

THE SUPREME HYDERABAD KARNATAKA MADRAS
COURT OF INDIA HIGH COURT HIGH COURT HIGH COURT

48 50 56 60

MADURAI KERALA CHHATTISGARH CALCUTTA
BENCH HIGH COURT HIGH COURT HIGH COURT

66 70 74 80

GAUHATI KOHIMA ITANAGAR TRIPURA
HIGH COURT BENCH BENCH HIGH COURT

86 92 98 102

MEGHALAYA MANIPUR SIKKIM DELHI
HIGH COURT HIGH COURT HIGH COURT HIGH COURT

106 112 116 124

ORISSA PATNA ALLAHABAD LUCKNOW
HIGH COURT HIGH COURT HIGH COURT BENCH

132 146 154 160

BOMBAY NAGPUR GOA AURANGABAD
HIGH COURT BENCH BENCH BENCH

164 170 176 182

RAJASTHAN JAIPUR GUJARAT JAMMU &
HIGH COURT BENCH HIGH COURT KASHMIR
HIGH COURT
194 196 200
204
PUNJAB & HIMACHAL UTTARAKHAND
HARYANA PRADESH HIGH COURT JHARKHAND
HIGH COURT HIGH COURT HIGH COURT

208 212 218

Madhya Pradesh INDORE GWALIOR
HIGH COURT BENCH BENCH

THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA

The Supreme Court of India is the final Court of appeal and enforcer of fundamental rights guaranteed under

the Constitution.
The Supreme Court of India functioned from the Parliament House till it moved to the present building. The
foundation stone of this building was laid on 29th of October 1954 by Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India.
Built on a huge area of 17 acres, and designed in an Indo-British style by chief architect Ganesh Bhikaji Deolalikar, the
building is shaped to resemble the Scales of Justice – A design befitting of the role that the court essays for its citizens.
It houses the Chief Justice’s Courtroom right at the very center, the other court rooms, the library, the office of the
Attorney General of India, and the bar rooms in the right and left wings of the scale.
The Wheel of Righteousness is the Court’s seal which symbolizes truth, goodness and equality. And is inscribed with a
line in Sanskrit "yatodharmastatojayah" ( यतोधम�तोजयः) which means "where there is law (dharma), there is victory".
And is visible in all its glory at the top of the stairs of the main entrance of the building.
In 1979, two new wings - the East Wing and the West Wing - were added to the complex.

4

The 2.1 meter statue symbolizes Mother India sheltering a child - symbolizing the young Republic of India, upholding the laws of the land, depicted in the form of
an open book. The balance beam on the book, represents dispensation of equal justice to all.

5

ARCHITECTURE OF JUSTICE
The aerial view of the Supreme Court building that shows off its Scales of Justice design.

Camera: Nikon D810 Lens: AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED

HIGH COURT
OF KARNATAKA,

BENGALURU

The striking red building of the High Court of Karnataka, Bengaluru. The Chief Court of Mysore was created and was designated as the highest court
28
of appeal, reference and revision, over 133 years ago.

Since then, the court has been re-named several times owing to a change in its
location and scope of work. Formerly known as the Old Public Offices building, it
was later called ‘Attara Kacheri’ as it housed the eighteen departments of the
general and revenue Secretariat of the Mysore Government. Finally, in the year
1973, it got its present name of High Court of Karnataka.

Based on the Graeco-Roman style of architecture, the court building is a
magnificent two-storied structure. The stone and brick, bright red painted
building is hard to miss and holds its own as it stands across the street from the
imposing Vidhan Soudha.

The construction of the building was supervised by Rao Bahadur Arcot
Narayanaswami Mudaliar and completed in the year 1868. The building is known
for its iconic porticos at the center and at the two ends of the elevation. The arch
lined passageways and painted ceiling of the Diwani Chamber are a sight to behold.

In recent times, there was a proposal to demolish the building in 1982. However,
a PIL, (Public Interest Litigation) filed by activists and heritage lovers, led to a
judgment that stayed the demolition of this building. Ironically, this was the first
PIL to be filed in this court and the case was heard in the very building that was
supposed to be demolished.

HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA, BENGALURU

The statue of Maj. Gen. Sir Mark Cubbon at the entrance of the high court building.

29

ARCHITECTURE of JUSTICE

Staying true to the city’s name of being the Garden city, a green framed view of the building complex.
30

HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA, BENGALURU

One of the entrances to the court building.

31

MADRAS

HIGH COURT

The High Court of Judicature at Madras is one of the three high courts in India

established by Letters Patent issued by Her Majesty Queen Victoria, bearing the
date 26th of June 1862.

Prior to the construction of the court building the compound used to house, two
temples. It is said that water from the temple tanks was brought by priests and
witnesses, before giving evidence had to touch the water and take oath. It also
housed a light house that was used to warn and guide ships in the early days.

The high court building is a classic example of Indo Saracenic architecture.
Completed under the guidance of the famed architect Henry Irwin in 1892, the
building is believed to be the second largest judicial complex in the world, and
widely acknowledged as the one of the finest court buildings in the country.

The red sandstone structure has ornate walls, stained glass windows and
minarets that add to its charm. The Chief Justice’s court requires special mention.
It is adorned with stained glass, fretted wood work, carved furniture, silvered
panels and has a painted ceiling, that lend a sense of grandeur to the room.

The dappled light on the arched wall façade adds drama to the building.
38

MADRAS HIGH COURT

The statue of Manuneeti Cholan stands at the entrance of the high court building.

39

ARCHITECTURE of JUSTICE

The stone staircase and arched pillars add grandeur to the judges’ entrance.
40

MADRAS HIGH COURT

The stained glass windows, fretted wood work, carved furniture and silvered panels add specialness to the Chief Justice’s court.

41

GAUHATI
HIGH COURT,

ITANAGAR BENCH

I tanagar is a quaint little town set in the foot hill of the Himalayas. The capital of

Arunachal Pradesh, this city is home to a number of tribes.
Like in the case of the Nagas, their administrative system is an autonomous one and
relies on traditional or customary laws to dispense justice. A practice that is religiously
followed by the villagers.
A typical customary court trial is held in the presence of the ‘Panch’; who are the
respected elders in the village.
The nature of justice deliverance, seem far removed and even unreal in todays’ modern
times. The Chicken Liver Test and the Tiger Tooth oath taking ceremonies to preside
over judgements are a case in point.
Through the establishment of a permanent bench at Itangar on the 12th of August
2000, a more formal legal process was set in motion.

Tribal head performing the Chicken liver test.
74

GAUHATI HIGH COURT, ITANAGAR BENCH

Front view of the High court building.

75

ARCHITECTURE of JUSTICE

The panchayat presiding over the proceedings of the chicken liver test.
76

GAUHATI HIGH COURT, ITANAGAR BENCH

The Chicken liver test

In the absence of a witness to depose in a case, this
method of customary adjudication is adopted. Don-
ning their traditional attire, the village panchayat
and the priest (who conducts the test) presides over
the proceedings.
The priest selects a small chick and chants mantras
while making a small incision in the chick’s neck.
Once, the chick is dead, he removes its liver, exam-
ines it and hands it over to the other members of the
panchayat for examination. The panel then decides
collectively on the judgement post the examination
of the liver. Whatever be the verdict, it is accepted by
the tribe including the accused.
A local brew is then drunk from a traditional
bamboo jar by the panchayat and the priest to mark
the completion of this ritual.

77

ALLAHABAD

HIGH COURT

A llahabad stands at the confluence of 3 important rivers that run through the

country; the Ganga, Yamuna and the Sarasvati rivers. This unique positioning has
accorded the city great political, cultural and administrative significance, both in the
Mughal Era and later on under the British Raj as well.

Allahabad became the seat of government of North-Western Provinces and a High
Court was established in 1834. However, within a year of its establishment, it was
shifted to Agra. And was founded as the High Court of Judicature for the
North-Western Provinces on 17 March 1866 by the Indian High Courts Act 1861
replacing the old Sadr Diwani Adalat. However, in 1868, it was re-shifted to Allahabad
with a corresponding change in name to High Court of Judicature at Allahabad.

The court building was built by Khan Saheb Nizamuddin of Loha Mandi, Agra, India,
and is one of the first High Courts to be established in 1869. A magnificent example
of colonial architecture, the building has been made staying true to the materials and
stone sourced from the region. The red cobbled roof over the building, contrasts and
sets off its lighter stone structure beautifully.

The High Court building overlooks a lush, well-manicured garden, which houses a
beautiful marble fountain, donated by Khan Saheb. The building is replete with
latticed ornate arches that are its key feature.

Archways leading upto the corridors of the building.

116

ALLAHABAD HIGH COURT

Main foyer entrance to the court building.

117

A panoramic view of the High Court building that shows off its colonial style of architecture in all its glory.

ALLAHABAD HIGH COURT
Camera: Nikon D750 Lens: AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5 - 5.6 G ED VR

HIGH COURT

OF BOMBAY

Mumbai is home to many iconic heritage buildings. Overlooking the Oval

maidan, the Bombay High Court building is one such landmark. Built by
Colonel J.A. Fuller, R.E in 1879, in the Gothic style of architecture, the building
almost resembles a castle. Its stone walls and red gabled roof tops stand tall
against the lush green of the Oval.

It is important to talk about two life size statues on the outside towers of the
building. One is that of the Goddess of Justice, blind folded with a scale in one
hand, and a sword in the other. And the other is the Goddess of Mercy – whose
hands are folded. Both of which epitomizing the legal system.

The history that has transpired within the court rooms of this High Court is as
illustrious as the structure itself.

Lokmanya Tilak was tried a number of times in this high court, and the trial
that was historic was the trial for sedition in the 1916 case Emperor Vs. Bal
Gangadhar Tilak. It was court no.1 that witnessed him speaking the line
“Swarajya ha maaza janma sidhdha adhikar aahe, ani to mi milavinarach”
(Freedom is my birthright and I will get it).

This High Court also saw the last case in the Indian Judicial System to use a jury
- K. M. Nanavati Vs. State of Maharashtra 1959.

The High Court of Bombay is known for its Gothic style architecture.
132

HIGH COURT OF BOMBAY

Top view of the Chief Justice’s court from the viewing gallery. The courtroom still preserves the original woodwork.

133

The High Court of Bombay as it overlooks the Oval maidan.

HIGH COURT OF BOMBAY
Camera: Nikon D810 Lens: AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5 - 5.6 G ED VR



ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHERS

Vinay R. Thakur

Trained by stalwarts at the Kodak Marketing Education Centre, Rochester USA, Vinay is a professional Commercial
photographer based in Nagpur. He is a Nikon School Mentor and also conducts his own photography Workshops
in Nagpur.
During his time off, the nature buff in him takes him to bird and wild life sanctuaries across the length and breadth of
the country to experience the wild in its purest form.
Cell:- +91 98239 03813
email: [email protected]

Amogh V. Thakur

Amogh is a Mumbai based visual artist. He graduated from India’s premier institute of photography –
Light & Life Academy in Ooty.
His work has been recognised and included in the much acclaimed book - ‘Best of the Best photographers
2017’ – One Eyeland, with a world ranking of 32. He was also a finalist at the One Eyeland Awards 2017
– Portraits category.
Amogh specialises in people, fashion, lifestyle & architecture photography, and has worked across
Indian and International markets.
When he isn’t behind the lens, he loves to experiment with new cuisines and spending time with
his family.
Cell:- +91 96198 04206
email: [email protected]


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