Centre-Chandigarh Faceoff: High Court Expansion Hits Forest Land Snag
A major legal battle erupted on Friday, September 12, 2025, between the Chandigarh Administration and the Central government over the proposed expansion of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The dispute centres on the conversion of forest land for the project.
The Centre, in a strongly worded statement to the court, accused the Chandigarh Administration of a lack of political will to de-reserve the necessary forest land. This has stalled the crucial expansion project.
The court, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, deferred the hearing. It urged the High Court Bar Association to actively explore alternative locations for the expansion, potentially resolving the land-use conflict.
The ongoing standoff highlights a critical issue: balancing infrastructural development with environmental conservation. The outcome will significantly impact not only the High Court’s functioning but also set a precedent for future land-use decisions involving ecologically sensitive areas across the nation.
