The Supreme Court of India has officially decided to remove the glass glazing panels that were previously installed in front of courtrooms 1 to 5. The decision was taken by the Full Court after reviewing the representations made by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA).
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These glass panels were installed last year during the tenure of then Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, as part of the plan for centralized air conditioning in the corridors. However, the installation received criticism from the legal community, who pointed out that the panels caused crowding and reduced corridor space, creating discomfort for lawyers, clerks, and litigants.
Soon after taking over as the 51st Chief Justice of India, CJI BR Gavai addressed the issue in a public function, stating that the panels would be removed. He promised that after the summer vacation, lawyers and visitors would see the court premises in its “original avatar”.
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“The Full Court of the Supreme Court of India took note of the representation received from the SCBA and SCAORA concerning the glass glazing installed in front of courtrooms no. 1 to 5. After careful consideration of the issues raised, including concerns regarding original grandeur, visibility, aesthetics, and courtroom accessibility, a decision was taken by the Full Court to remove the glass glazing,” the Supreme Court said in its official press release.
As per this direction, the process of removing the glass panels was carried out last week. The move was aimed at restoring the original heritage appearance of the court premises, improving visibility and ensuring free movement in the corridors.
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In addition to this change, the Supreme Court has also revived its old official logo, replacing the newer version that had been introduced during CJI DY Chandrachud’s tenure. This action further signals the Court’s intention to maintain its traditional identity and architectural integrity.