The wheels of justice grind in a total of eight courts in different parts of Delhi serving all levels of administration – from district to state and national. The majestic buildings in which these courts of law are situated in command immediate respect. The district court at Patiala House Courts Complex is the oldest one existing since colonial times. This palatial building was earlier owned by the Maharaja of Patiala, and designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Yes, the very same man who along with Herbert Baker built what we all know today as New Delhi!

After independence, one of the first courts built in Delhi was the Supreme Court of India. Designed by the architect Ganesh Bhikaji Deolalikar, this building has been given the shape of a balance with a pair of scales of justice. It has two wings on each side – at the end of which is a semi circular structure symbolising the pans of a balance. The central wing is the one which houses the Chief Justice’s court – forming the beam of that balance. Its chhatris or the dome shaped pavilions and the huge columns are a perfect example of Indo-British architecture.

Most of the other district courts are situated in new buildings – the Saket court’s building being the most recent one constructed in 2010. This, along with Dwarka and Tis Hazari court are clear examples of high modernist architecture which dominate many buildings’ design in Delhi.

For those of you who are particularly interested in exploring varieties of architectural designs, we have a bit more of good news. Most of these court complexes have metro connectivity. We suggest you begin your journey with the Patiala House Complex to get a lesson in history, architecture and law! All you need to do is to get off at Pragati Maidan station and walk to the complex located nearby.