NCLT Delhi Bar Flags Courtroom Closure Over Water Seepage, Urges MCA for Immediate Action
The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) Bar Association has raised alarm with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) after three courtrooms of the NCLT’s New Delhi Bench were declared unsafe and shut down due to water seepage.
On September 3, a public notice announced that Courtrooms IV, V and VI on the 8th floor of Block 3, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, had become structurally unsafe. Continuous roof leakage damaged the false ceiling, posing risks of collapse, fire and short circuits. Following inspection, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) declared the courtrooms unfit until repairs and safety clearance are completed.
As an interim measure, from September 4, the Bench is functioning only on a half-day basis from the limited courtrooms available on the 6th and 7th floors.
In a representation to MCA Secretary Deepti Gaur Mukerjee, the Bar Association led by President and Senior Advocate UK Chaudhary and Secretary General Saurabh Kalia said the situation has caused a “complete obstruction in the administration of justice.” It added that the closure has almost brought the tribunal’s functioning to a standstill.
The Bar further pointed out that the New Delhi Bench already faced space shortages, with Court VI operating temporarily from Court V, and lack of essential facilities such as a bar room, canteen, photocopying services and registry space.
It recalled that a 2018 PIL before the Delhi High Court on this very issue is still pending. Though the High Court had directed that the First Floor of CGO Complex be given to the NCLT, renovation was stopped midway and possession was never handed over.
Currently, only three courtrooms are operational against the sanctioned six.
Calling for urgent intervention, Chaudhary said:
“The roof leakage has forced courtroom closures, halting critical judicial work. The Ministry must urgently restore full functioning. Confidence in the insolvency and company law system rests on timely and smooth adjudication.”
The Bar Association has warned that if no action is taken soon, it may be forced to take further steps to ensure the resumption of judicial work. Copies of its representation have also been sent to the Chief Justice of India, the Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister, NCLT President Justice Ramalingam Sudhakar and MCA Joint Secretary Anita Shah Akela.
