NCLT Chandigarh shut due to water seepage: P&H High Court calls for alternative space

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday ordered the Chandigarh administration to search for a new space for the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), the present venue for which is undergoing repair work owing to water seepage. [The Company Law Tribunal Bar Association, Chandigarh v The Ministry of Corporate Affairs & Ors].

NCLT Chandigarh had notified today that it is suspending sittings indefinitely due to water seepage from the roof in courtrooms and judges' chambers.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry remarked that alternative arrangements must be made for the Tribunal to continue functioning.

"Counsel for the Union of India Shri Jain informs that they will take about 30 days to carry out the repairs. The UT administration council is directed to search for an alternative place for the NCLT Chandigarh bench to function, within the next three days," the Court ordered.

The case will be heard next on August 25.

The Bench passed the order while dealing with a 2023 public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the Company Law Tribunal Bar Association through its Secretary Vaibhav Sahni, raising the issue of waterlogging and damage to the Tribunal's building.

Today, the Court was informed about the NCLT's indefinite closure due to repairs.

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Satyapal Jain appeared for the Union of India and told the Bench that new contractors have been appointed to repair the building. He added that initial attempts to carry out the work at night were met with opposition from the locals.

"We wrote to the NCLT saying we need 30 days to complete the repair work. We cannot repair the building while the Tribunal is functioning," the ASG said.

The petitioner was represented by Senior Advocate Anand Chhibbar and Advocate Shikhar Sarin.

Advocate Jaivir Chandail appeared for the Union Territory of Chandigarh.