High Court Orders Urgent Renovation of Chandigarh Railway Station Police Building
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken decisive action regarding the crumbling Government Railway Police station at Chandigarh railway station. A division bench led by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry has given authorities exactly two months to complete necessary repairs and upgrades.
Advocate's Petition Highlights Dangerous Conditions
Advocate Sunaina filed a public interest litigation that brought the building's perilous state to the court's attention. She appeared personally before the bench to present her case. The petition emphasized how this British-era structure has remained neglected despite ongoing multi-crore redevelopment work at the railway station premises.
Sunaina submitted compelling evidence including photographs, news reports, and written complaints. These documents revealed multiple safety hazards throughout the police station and staff residential quarters.
The evidence showed:- Leaking roofs that compromise structural integrity
- Cracked and collapsing walls posing immediate danger
- Exposed electrical wiring creating fire risks
- Unsecured malkhana windows allowing potential evidence tampering
- Missing boundary walls that have enabled accused persons to escape
- Complete absence of potable water and basic sanitation facilities
Government Assurance Leads to Court Deadline
During the hearing, Satya Pal Jain appeared as Additional Solicitor General of India representing the Union of India and the Ministry of Railways. He assured the court that railway authorities would undertake comprehensive repair, renovation, and upgradation of the GRP police station building.
The bench accepted this assurance and disposed of the PIL with clear instructions. Authorities must complete all required work within two months. The court specifically noted that the building currently exists in an unsafe condition requiring immediate attention.
Petitioner Granted Right to Return to Court
The High Court provided important safeguards in its order. The petitioner received explicit permission to approach the court again if authorities fail to take effective steps within the stipulated two-month period.
The bench clarified that should meaningful action not occur within this timeframe, Sunaina could file an appropriate petition informing the court about non-compliance. She could report that the government's assurance remained unfulfilled and no repair or renovation work had actually begun.
Constitutional and Public Safety Issues Raised
The original petition raised significant constitutional concerns alongside practical safety issues. It argued that denying basic infrastructure to law enforcement agencies stationed at major public transport hubs directly violates Article 21 of the Constitution.
This constitutional provision guarantees protection of life and personal liberty. The petition contended that inadequate facilities compromise both public safety and the dignity of police personnel. Such conditions ultimately undermine public interest and the proper functioning of the rule of law at critical transportation centers.
The court's intervention comes at a crucial time when Chandigarh railway station undergoes extensive redevelopment. The contrast between modern station improvements and the deteriorating police facility highlighted the urgency of this matter. Now authorities must demonstrate their commitment to safety by completing renovations within the court-mandated deadline.
