By Admin 
Chief Justice Bhushan Ramakrishna Gavai (CJI BR Gavai) laid the foundation stone of the new complex of the Bombay High Court on Wednesday (November 5, 2025) and expressed confidence that the new building will be a temple of justice and not a seven-star hotel. Addressing an event after laying the foundation stone of the complex in suburban Bandra (East), he stressed that the new building should not depict any imperialist structure, but should be in line with the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution.
Chief Justice Gavai said, ‘While planning court buildings, we focus on the needs of the judges, but we should not forget that we exist for the needs of the citizens, i.e. the litigants.’ CJI BR Gavai said this is his last visit to Maharashtra before his tenure ends on November 24 and he is satisfied with the judicial infrastructure in his home state. CJI Gavai took charge as Chief Justice on 14 May 2025.
He said, ‘Earlier I was hesitant to be a part of this programme, but now I am grateful that as a judge who once performed his duties in the Bombay High Court, I am ending my tenure by laying the foundation stone of the best court building in the entire country. The judiciary, legislature and executive should work under the Constitution to provide justice to the society.
The Chief Justice said, ‘This building should be a temple of justice and not a seven-star hotel.’ He said, ‘Today is an important moment, an important milestone in the history of the Bombay High Court.’ He said that when this building is completed, it will be the most magnificent structure on the Western Express Highway in Mumbai. The Chief Justice said he disagrees with the criticism that Maharashtra is lagging behind in providing infrastructure for the judiciary. The Chief Justice said that during his short tenure he laid the foundation stone or inaugurated many judicial buildings in the state.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the new building will complement the existing historic structure of the Bombay High Court, which has witnessed many important moments and milestones in the country’s history since 1862. He said that the construction of the old High Court building in South Mumbai was completed at a cost of Rs 16,000 and Rs 300 was also saved out of the allocated funds. The Chief Minister said that he has requested the renowned architect Hafeez Contractor associated with the project to ensure that the grandeur of the new building is kept democratic and not imperialist.