Heritage Matters: Shoddy work on MHC ire judges and observers

While efforts are on to restore the rich heritage of the buildings housing the Madras High Court, whether it is being done as per the prescribed guidelines meant for the protection of such heritage buildings remains a million-dollar question. 

Built in 1892, the High Court building is an exquisite example of Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. The imposing structure of red brickwork and multi-coloured paper work is an architectural treasure. The painted ceilings and stained glass doors are masterpieces in themselves. Another unique specialty is the aesthetically designed domes, minarets and arches. There are two light houses, one main light house dome and the other in the campus built in 1838, predates the High Court building. 

The comprehensive restoration work at a cost of Rs.17.20 crore, sanctioned by the 13th Finance Commission, began in 2015. An exhaustive documentation work detailing the court’s architecture was prepared to aid in the restoration work. The Public Works Department (PWD), with the assistance of the technicians, who are conversant with the conservation methods, took up the project as per the advice of experts in the field. But lapses continue to surface and apprehensions that restoration has not been done professionally have been voiced.    

In fact, the first bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice R Mahadevan on perusal of the minutes of the heritage committee had slammed the work on certain aspects. While the committee had suggested that the work would be completed by November end, the bench said, “There are some works which have been attended to a very limited extent, that is, only about 10 to 35 per cent of the work have been done. These works would have to be looked into.” 

It also pointed out that there was no co-relation between the original glass paintings and the ones that has been put up even in the Chief Justice’s court. The bench also came down heavily on the heavy structures that have been built in the process of air-conditioning. It noted that “the issue needs a relook to make them look more 

palatable to the eye.” The poor quality of work came into prominence based on a plea moved by advocate M T Arunan, seeking independent inspection by a heritage expert to examine the quality of restoration work under progress. He had also sought for a direction to the Registrar-General of the High Court and PWD to take appropriate steps to safeguard the heritage buildings in consultation with officials of the Department of Archaeology. 

Arunan who had moved the petition, said, “Indiscriminate installation of air- conditioning system, electrical circuits and haphazard execution of work continue to pose a major setback in protecting the heritage building. 

Though ad-hoc additions to the heritage buildings have been removed in many places, the quality of work done remains abysmally poor making it imperative for the Archeological Survey of India to be roped in to protect the heritage structure before it is too late.” 

For now, the Archaeological Survey of India has finally been impleaded in the case. A team from the National Research Laboratory for Conservation of Cultural Property, Lucknow, is also set to take up the task of reviving the faded domes and paintings including the 175foot main tower. 

Though by no means could such a magnificent structure be built now, it is hoped that the efforts taken to protect and preserve it is done professionally without causing any harm to the century old edifice. 

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There are some works which have been attended to a very limited extent, i.e. about 10 to 35 per cent of the work have been done. These works would have to be looked into —MHC Bench.

Built in 1892, it is one  of the oldest examples of Indo- Saracenic style of architecture. 

Rs 17. 20 crore sanctioned for restoration of Madras High Court 

Two light houses, - one main light house dome and the other in the campus built in 1838, predate the High Court building. 

Team from the National Research Laboratory for Conservation of Cultural Property, Lucknow, is also set to take up the task of reviving the faded domes and paintings, including the 175-foot main tower. 

The painted ceilings and stained glass doors are masterpieces in themselves.