Supreme Court allows construction at P&H High Court, says will not affect UNESCO heritage status

The Supreme Court has upheld the Punjab and Haryana High Court's directives to construct a verandah in front of Courtroom No. 1 within the High Court complex, deeming the decision justified and in compliance with UNESCO's preservation guidelines. The SC noted that advanced construction techniques could ensure that the new verandah matches existing ones without altering the building's core structure or aesthetics. The court also allowed for a collapsible/removable version if necessary and emphasized the HC administration’s competence in balancing structural preservation with functional needs. Additionally, the SC approved the HC's directives for using eco-friendly green paver blocks in the kutcha parking area behind the heritage building to alleviate parking shortages while recommending tree plantation to enhance environmental sustainability and shading. The SC dismissed an interim proposal for a temporary tin/metal shed, citing aesthetic concerns. The Chandigarh administration had challenged these HC orders citing risks to the UNESCO World Heritage status of the Capitol Complex, designed by Le Corbusier, but the SC found historical precedence for the verandah’s proposal dating back to 1956. The Times of India+1Law Trend - Legal News Network+1