Report by
SWATI
Haldwani
In a major development for Uttarakhand’s judicial infrastructure, the Supreme Court has approved the state government’s proposal to shift the Uttarakhand High Court from Nainital to Gaulapar in Haldwani. The decision removes a key hurdle that had delayed the project for years.
The apex court set aside the High Court’s earlier direction to conduct a public referendum on the proposed new campus. The Supreme Court clarified that a referendum was not required in the matter and held that the state government could proceed with the establishment of the new High Court complex in accordance with law.
As part of its order, the Supreme Court directed the Uttarakhand government to complete the process of land allocation for the proposed High Court building in Gaulapar within six weeks, enabling the project to move forward without further delay.
Long-Pending Proposal
The proposal to relocate the High Court from Nainital to Gaulapar has been under consideration for a long time. The state government had identified Gaulapar as a suitable location due to the availability of extensive land and the possibility of developing a modern judicial complex with advanced infrastructure.
Supporters of the move have argued that the new location would allow for better planning, improved accessibility, and expansion of judicial facilities in the future.
Modern Judicial Complex Planned
Following the Supreme Court’s approval, the path is now clear for the construction of a state-of-the-art High Court campus equipped with modern facilities. The proposed complex is expected to include upgraded courtrooms, administrative buildings, parking infrastructure, digital judicial services, and other amenities aimed at strengthening the functioning of the judiciary.
Relief for Litigants and Lawyers
The relocation is also expected to provide greater convenience to litigants, advocates, and visitors, particularly those traveling from various districts of the state. Improved connectivity through Haldwani is likely to make access to the High Court easier for a larger section of the population.
With the Supreme Court’s ruling, one of Uttarakhand’s most significant judicial infrastructure projects has entered a decisive phase, and the state government is now expected to begin the land allocation and construction process at the earliest.
