The Punjab and Haryana High Court has asked the Chandigarh Administration to get a clear timeline from IIT Roorkee for submitting a crucial management plan. The court warned that any further delay could push the court's holistic development project back by two years.
Court Demands Timeline from IIT Roorkee for Capitol Complex Plan
A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor expressed concern during a hearing on Tuesday. The court noted that the requirement for the "site management and buffer zone management plan" was conveyed to the Union Territory Administration in November 2024. However, nearly one-and-a-half years have passed without the report being made available.
According to The Tribune, the bench asked the Chandigarh Administration to obtain instructions from IIT Roorkee on how soon it could submit the plan. The plan is required for the consideration of the court's holistic development project.
Delay Could Jeopardise High Court Development Project
The court warned that further delay could jeopardise the entire project. The bench noted that the management plan is a critical requirement for moving forward with the development of the court complex.
During the hearing, the UT Administration produced a communication showing that IIT Roorkee had been requested to prepare the plan. However, the court was not satisfied with the progress and demanded a specific timeline.
Our Take: Accountability Needed for Critical Infrastructure Projects
This case highlights a common problem in large infrastructure projects — delays in obtaining necessary reports and approvals. The High Court is right to push for accountability. When a key report is delayed by one-and-a-half years, it is not just a paperwork issue. It directly affects the timeline and cost of the entire project. The court's warning that the project could be pushed back by two years is a serious concern. In our view, the Chandigarh Administration and IIT Roorkee need to prioritise this plan. The public interest demands that such projects move forward without unnecessary bureaucratic delays.