Jodhpur: The central dome crowning the main complex of the Rajasthan High Court has been declared structurally unsafe, with an expert assessment warning that the 21-metre-high feature could give way. A division bench of the court has taken suo motu cognisance of the report and summoned senior government and technical functionaries to appear in person on 24 August.
Immediate judicial response and orders
Justices Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Praveer Bhatnagar viewed the findings as posing a grave risk to human life and as a matter that affects the standing of a constitutional institution. The bench directed the Rajasthan Chief Secretary, Finance Secretary, Principal Secretary (PWD), the Managing Director of RSRDC, the Director General of Police, as well as representatives from IIT Bombay, IIT Jodhpur and the structural audit firm to appear before the court on the specified date.
Meanwhile, parts of the dome have been covered and movement beneath it restrained as an immediate safety measure. The court has also constituted a panel of senior advocates to assist the bench during further hearings.
Technical findings and past incidents
An expert study by IIT Bombay identified serious deterioration in the dome — the panel warned of a potential collapse. The court’s order recalled a string of incidents affecting the building since its inauguration, pointing to a pattern of structural distress in roofs, ceilings and related elements.
- Foundation stone: laid on 20 April 2007
- Construction began: 2011
- Structural work completed: end of 2013
- Inauguration: December 2019
- Partial dome collapse: 29 April 2023
- Further incidents: reports of roof, plaster and false ceiling collapses in 2024 and 2025
The bench noted that an expert committee from IIT Jodhpur, in its 2023 appraisal, had pointed to spalling of concrete cover on slabs and extensive corrosion of reinforcement in portions of the structure. The IIT Bombay report, relied upon by the court in the current proceedings, amplified those concerns regarding the central dome.
Timeline of the High Court complex
| Year / Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 20 April 2007 | Foundation stone laid |
| 2011 | Construction of main building began |
| End of 2013 | Structural work completed |
| December 2019 | Building inaugurated |
| 29 April 2023 | Portion of dome collapsed |
| 2024–2025 | Reports of ceiling and plaster failures in courtrooms and chambers |
The court’s order highlighted that the structure was inaugurated in the presence of several top dignitaries in 2019, and observed that the recurring structural failures were an embarrassment for a constitutional authority entrusted with administering justice.
What the bench expects next
By calling for in-person appearances from administrative, law-enforcement and technical representatives, the bench has signalled an intent to probe both the technical causes and the administrative decisions that followed earlier expert warnings. The presence of IIT Bombay and IIT Jodhpur representatives suggests the court will seek technical clarification and options for remediation, shoring or limited demolition as the situation demands.
"The matter has been taken up as a serious threat to human life and a blemish on the reputation of a constitutional institution," the division bench observed in its order.
For litigants, court staff and visitors, the immediate restrictions — covering parts of the dome and limiting movement below it — are likely to remain in force until a clear technical and administrative roadmap is produced. The bench’s summons on 24 August will be the key next public milestone in resolving how the court complex is to be made safe while judicial work continues.
Practical note: Users seeking updates should monitor official court notices and communications from the administrative authorities, as the bench directed state secretariat and police leadership to be present for the hearing.
Meera Rathore, WE NEWS correspondent reporting from Jodhpur.
