Architect Hafeez Contractor’s next big project: New Bombay High Court in Bandra

Mumbai’s skyline is set to get another architectural marvel, this time in the form of a new Bombay High Court complex in Bandra East. The Maharashtra Government has appointed celebrated architect Hafeez Contractor, known for Mumbai's iconic structures like The Imperial Towers, to design the judicial hub after scrapping an earlier plan by the state PWD.

The appointment follows a state-led architectural competition after the judiciary and state bureaucracy rejected the initial plan by the Public Works Department (PWD).

Renowned Indian architect Hafeez Contractor, born in 1950 in Mumbai, revolutionised urban landscapes with his bold, contemporary designs. After studying at Mumbai’s Academy of Architecture and Columbia University, he established his firm in 1983, now one of India’s largest.

Famous for iconic high-rises like The Imperial Towers (Mumbai) and Dubai’s 23 Marina, he also designed landmarks such as DY Patil Stadium (Navi Mumbai), Mumbai Airport, and Infosys campuses. His work spans residential marvels (DLF Aralias, Hiranandani Gardens), commercial hubs (One Indiabulls Centre), and sustainable projects like GIFT City, Gujarat. A vocal advocate for urban greenery, Hafeez blends functionality with grandeur, shaping India’s architectural identity.

Spread over nearly 30 acres in the government colony at Kherwadi, the upcoming court complex promises a comprehensive upgrade, with 75 courtrooms, housing for judges and staff, a library, auditorium, arbitration and mediation centres, and modern amenities for lawyers and litigants.

The move is driven by a pressing space crunch at the heritage building in Fort. Built in 1878 for just 15 judges, it currently squeezes in 29 courts and 35 judges, even as the sanctioned strength has swelled to 94.

The foundation stone was laid by former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud in September 2024. The new location, strategically placed near the Bandra-Kurla Complex and Western Express Highway, also benefits from improved connectivity via the Coastal Road and Bandra-Worli Sea Link.

Meanwhile, the rest of the 90-acre government colony is being redeveloped with 10 new high-rises for government staff, replacing the ageing structures built between 1958 and 1973. With this transformative project, Mumbai’s legal infrastructure is finally getting the space and stature it deserves.