‘Hazard zone’: Lawyers say ₹20-crore repairs fail to fix crumbling Small Causes Court in SoBo

‘Hazard zone’: Lawyers say ₹20-crore repairs fail to fix crumbling Small Causes Court in SoBo

Hazard zone – Legal practitioners in Mumbai have long criticized the Small Causes Court in South Bombay (SoBo) for its deteriorating infrastructure, now officially dubbed a “hazard zone” after years of inadequate maintenance. Despite a ₹20-crore allocation for repairs, the 46-year-old building remains a ticking time bomb, with structural issues undermining its functionality. Lawyers argue that the renovations, while extensive, have only scratched the surface of the underlying problems, leaving the court vulnerable to catastrophic failure.

The crisis escalated in September 2025 when a section of the false ceiling in the washroom near the Ladies Bar Room collapsed. Although no one was injured, the incident highlighted the persistent neglect of the structure, prompting the Advocates’ Association to issue urgent alerts to officials, including the Bombay High Court’s Chief Justice and the Public Works Department. The association emphasized that the “hazard zone” designation is not merely symbolic but a warning that the building’s safety is compromised.

Structural Vulnerabilities Worsening

Recent inspections have revealed alarming cracks in pillars and beams, spreading across bar rooms, courtrooms, and shared spaces. Water seepage through walls and recurring plaster falls from ceilings and corridors have become routine, creating a dangerous environment for legal professionals and litigants. The advocates stress that these defects, if left unaddressed, could lead to a major collapse, jeopardizing the court’s ability to serve its critical role in civil justice.

“The concern is not about plastering or the paintwork. The demand is for a proper structural audit by competent experts,” said Haridas Santosh, vice-president of the association. “Every time we try to fix one issue, another pops up, showing the repairs are just band-aids.”

The association has called for an independent structural assessment and immediate removal of unsafe sections, citing accountability as a key issue. They argue that officials and contractors have failed to prioritize long-term solutions, leaving the court in a state of perpetual repair. If further fixes prove insufficient, the lawyers urge the government to consider constructing a new facility, ensuring the safety of both staff and the public who rely on this legal hub.

Decades of Repairs vs. Rapid Rebuilding

The ₹20-crore renovation project, initiated in 2017, has taken nearly a decade to complete, contrasting sharply with the swift demolition and reconstruction of the Mazgaon Court, which was rebuilt in just three years. The Small Causes Court in SoBo, established under the Presidency Small Cause Courts Act of 1882, has been a cornerstone of Mumbai’s civil judiciary for over half a century. Yet, its aging infrastructure has outpaced modernization efforts, with funds spent on cosmetic fixes rather than structural integrity.

Advocates have pointed out that the same amount of money could have funded the construction of two entirely new buildings, underscoring the inefficiency of the current approach. The court handles vital cases, including rent disputes, municipal law matters, and housing legislation, making its continued instability a significant concern for justice delivery. The Bandra branch, for instance, has only one emergency exit, a design flaw that exacerbates the risks in a “hazard zone.”

The Public Works Department’s recent efforts to address the ceiling collapse have been met with skepticism. Photos from March 2025 show fresh paint and plaster applied over visible cracks and water stains, raising doubts about the depth of the repairs. Lawyers insist that the facade of improvement masks a deeper crisis, with the building’s foundation and load-bearing structures still at risk. Without a comprehensive overhaul, the “hazard zone” status may soon become a reality for all users of the court.