Bombay High Court Orders Structural Audit of Historic Building

The Bombay High Court's Nagpur bench has mandated a thorough structural audit of the old High Court building located in Civil Lines after part of its rear section collapsed on Monday. This decision was made to ensure the safety of the historic structure and prevent future incidents. The court has tasked geotechnical engineer Amol Shingare with conducting the inspection and submitting a detailed report within four weeks.

This action follows the court's suo motu cognizance of the building's deteriorating condition, leading to the registration of a public interest litigation. A division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Rajnish Vyas addressed the issue on Wednesday, highlighting the urgency of assessing the building's structural integrity.

Previously, the public works department (PWD) had agreed to oversee the conservation of the building. However, due to its status as a protected monument, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) mandated that all conservation efforts be conducted under its supervision. The high court instructed both departments to convene a joint meeting to ensure effective coordination in the preservation efforts.

During the hearing on Monday, the state government informed the court about the recent collapse and presented photographs documenting the damage. In response, the court ordered an inspection of all walls to evaluate their condition and determine the cause of the collapse. The court's directive for a comprehensive structural audit reflects its commitment to safeguarding the heritage site.

The appointed engineer, Shingare, is expected to provide a thorough assessment of the building's overall safety and identify any areas that require immediate attention. The findings from this audit will play a crucial role in guiding future conservation efforts and ensuring the structural integrity of this historic landmark.