Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav in New Delhi and discussed the proposal to shift the Uttarakhand High Court from Nainital to Haldwani, along with the transfer and diversion of reserved forest land for constructing a permanent High Court complex in the Lamachaur area of Haldwani.
During the meeting, Dhami apprised the Union Minister of the challenges faced by the existing High Court premises in Nainital. Located at the foothills of China Peak, the complex faces concerns relating to the possibility of landslides, increasing traffic pressure and the movement of tourists.
The Chief Minister pointed out that Nainital, being a major tourist destination, witnesses a steady flow of visitors and litigants throughout the year. This also puts pressure on access and parking facilities around the High Court premises.
Considering these challenges and future requirements, Dhami said it was necessary to develop modern judicial infrastructure that could provide better facilities and accommodate the growing needs of the state's judicial system.
He reiterated that the state government was committed to making judicial facilities in Uttarakhand stronger, more modern and accessible.
According to the Chief Minister, the proposed site in Lamachaur, Haldwani, has better connectivity with roads and national highways. Developing a permanent High Court complex at this location would provide adequate infrastructure for the expansion of judicial activities and improve access to essential facilities for judges, lawyers, litigants and the general public.
Dhami informed the Union Minister that the state government was prioritising the necessary procedures for constructing the permanent High Court complex. The government was also maintaining continuous coordination with the Union government and the concerned departments to advance the proposal.
Referring to an order passed by the Supreme Court, the Chief Minister said that, in accordance with the directions, land had to be made available for the construction of the new High Court building, with its possession and transfer to be ensured within the stipulated timeframe.
Dhami requested the Union Minister to expedite the necessary action on the proposal concerning the transfer and diversion of reserved forest land in the Lamachaur area of Haldwani.
He said the proposed modern and permanent High Court complex would significantly strengthen Uttarakhand's judicial infrastructure and make judicial services more accessible, organised and effective.
Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav gave an assurance of positive consideration and further action on the proposal submitted by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
