According to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Gavai, the new Bombay High Court facility should be a "temple of justice and not a seven-star hotel" and avoid ostentation.
Speaking to a crowd on Wednesday after the complex's foundation stone was laid in Bandra (East), he underlined that the new structure should not resemble an imperial structure but rather be in line with the democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution.
The CJI stated that "judges are no more feudal lords" and recommended that the new complex avoid "extravagance" because judges are supposed to serve common people.
I've read in several articles that the building is opulent. Two judges are given a single lift to share.

Feudal lords are no longer judges. The judge could be from the Supreme Court, a trial court, or a high court. According to the Constitution, every institution—legislative, executive, and judicial—serves the nation's last citizen. to provide society justice," the CJI declared.
He placed a strong emphasis on preserving the building's majesty and recognisable structure.
"While planning court buildings, we concentrate on the needs of judges, but should not forget we exist for the needs of citizens, the litigants," he said.
He declared, "This building ought to be a temple of justice rather than a seven-star hotel."

The Chief Justice, who took office on May 14, 2025, stated that this was his final trip to Maharashtra before resigning from the highest judicial position on November 24. He expressed satisfaction with the state's legal system.
"I was hesitant to participate in this event earlier. However, I am now feeling thankful that, as a judge who previously served in the Bombay High Court, I am concluding my term by laying the cornerstone of the nation's greatest court edifice. He insisted that in order to give society justice, the judiciary, legislature, and executive branch must operate in accordance with the Constitution.

He declared, "Today is a momentous moment, an important milestone in the history of the Bombay High Court."
CJI Gavai revealed that he was first hesitant to attend the foundation stone laying ceremony, but he changed his mind after learning that it is unknown when a Bombay High Court judge will once again hold the nation's highest judicial position.
He claimed that when the skyscraper is finished, it will be Mumbai's most recognisable building on the Western Express Highway.
The Chief Justice disagreed with the claim that Maharashtra does not provide adequate infrastructure for the judiciary, citing the fact that he has inaugurated or set foundation stones for multiple judicial structures in the state during his brief term.

He maintained that the purpose of the judiciary is to assist those who seek justice.
"Bar and bench are two wheels of the golden chariot of the institution of justice," the Chief Justice of India said.

In his speech, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the new building will enhance the Bombay High Court's historic building, which has witnessed numerous significant events and turning points in the nation's history since 1862.
He pointed out that 16,000 was spent on the old HC building in south Mumbai, and 300 was even saved from the monies allotted.
The chief minister stated that he asked renowned architect Hafeez Contractor, who is working on the project, to make sure the opulence of the new structure remained democratic rather than imperialist.

He stated that government lawyers should have ample room in the new, expansive building for their offices.
"We (government) are the biggest litigants and there should be space for (our) legal officers," the chief minister stated.
Fadnavis expressed confidence that the new HC building would be AI-enabled and finished on schedule.
According to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the foundation stone laying ceremony marked a turning point in the Bombay High Court's 150-year history.
According to him, 15 acres of land have already been transferred for the project, and the other 15 acres would be turned over by March 2026. The new structure would occupy 50 lakh square feet.

Eknath Shinde, the deputy chief minister, too voiced optimism that the new structure will be iconic.
He stated that although the project will cost over ₹4,000 crore in total, there is no lack of funding for the complex.
According to Shinde, the new edifice will enhance the current HC building at Fort in South Mumbai.