Every investment in judicial infrastructure, whether from central or state governments, directly contributes to bolstering public faith in the justice system, even if the returns aren’t purely monetary. This powerful statement was made by Justice Surya Kant, the Supreme Court’s most senior judge and next in line to become India’s 53rd Chief Justice, during an event in Chennai on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
Justice Kant was inaugurating a magnificently restored 126-year-old heritage building, which historically served as the esteemed Madras Law College before its integration with the Madras High Court. He lauded the Madras High Court, declaring it a towering institution among India’s chartered High Courts, steadfastly upholding constitutional promises and embodying the nation’s shared quest for justice.
“Since its inception in 1862, this High Court has nurtured a resolute lineage of jurists. The renovated heritage building which we inaugurated today strengthens that lineage. This building holds a special emotional resonance. Since 1899, the corridors of this building had moulded generations of eminent lawyers, judges and academicians who shaped the Indian judiciary and our Republic’s jurisprudence,” he said.
Highlighting the core mission of the judiciary – to serve every citizen with fairness, dignity, and accessibility – Justice Kant stressed that “infrastructural support is absolutely essential.” Adding to the momentous occasion, Supreme Court Justice M.M. Sundresh joined virtually from Barcelona, remarking, “From being a tributary of the judiciary, this heritage building has today become the judiciary itself.”
Supreme Court Justice R. Mahadevan shared fond memories of a time when revered legal figures, including former Supreme Court judge C. Nagappan, taught at the Madras Law College within these very walls. He remarked that the building’s current transformation goes beyond mere architecture; it beautifully merges the past with the present. “The ideals that once motivated students will now serve as an inspiration for judges, lawyers, and litigants alike,” he stated.
Union Minister of State for Law and Justice (Independent Charge), Arjun Ram Meghwal, hailed the inauguration as a significant stride in enhancing India’s judicial infrastructure. He affirmed the Central government’s unwavering commitment to upgrading facilities, ensuring that all judges, lawyers, and litigants benefit from an efficient and accessible justice system.
Madras High Court Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava described the occasion as a profound moment, witnessing a revered institution of learning and education transition into a sacred temple of justice. He noted the unique sentiment, as many current judges and practicing lawyers within the High Court had once pursued their legal studies in this very heritage building, and would now perform their professional duties from the same historic edifice.
Tamil Nadu Law Minister S. Regupathy reiterated the State government’s dedication to equipping the judiciary with top-tier infrastructure. Justice R. Suresh Kumar, the most senior judge of the Madras High Court, provided a historical context, explaining that the State government transferred the heritage building to the High Court in 2022 and allocated ₹23.13 crore for its extensive renovation, a project that began on September 4, 2022, and spanned three years.
The event also featured addresses from Justice M.S. Ramesh, Advocate General P.S. Raman, and Additional Solicitor General AR.L. Sundaresan. A distinguished gathering, including current and former judges of the Madras High Court, Vice-Chairman of the Bar Council of India S. Prabakaran, Chairman of the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry P.S. Amalraj, various bar association officials, legal professionals, and court personnel, attended the auspicious ceremony.