Fire Ravages Gurgaon Courts, Halting Legal Work

A severe fire that ravaged Gurgaon's main court complex has brought judicial work to a near standstill. Daily case hearings have plummeted from an average of 100 to just 10-15, as courts operate out of temporary facilities in the PWD guesthouse. Efforts are underway to retrieve records and reconstruct damaged documents, but the loss of physical records predating 2014, when online access began, presents a monumental challenge for older cases.

The fire, which originated in the basement, spread rapidly, affecting 21 courtrooms and judges' chambers. While urgent matters like bail applications and stay appeals are being heard, ongoing trials are being rescheduled for July. Lawyers expressed concern that reconstructing lost records for cases dating back decades may be impossible, especially if parties and legal counsel are no longer available. This disruption is imposing significant financial and emotional burdens on litigants, particularly those involved in serious criminal trials.

The Gurgaon judicial system handles an average of 12,000 to 15,000 new cases monthly, with a current backlog of 3.06 lakh cases. The fire's impact is expected to prolong these existing delays, further impacting the justice delivery system. Judicial officers and staff are working extended hours to mitigate the damage and salvage records where possible, aiming to restore normalcy despite the extensive destruction.