8 months ago
HC reviews consultant appointment for development plan
The Punjab and Haryana High Court is carefully looking at how to choose a consultant for a big improvement plan for their building in Chandigarh.
They want to make sure everything is done correctly to avoid delays.
The court heard from different lawyers about the rules and deadlines.
They talked about how much the consultant will be paid and whether they need to follow a formal process called a tender.
The court wants to make sure no mistakes are made so the plan can be completed on time.
They will decide more about this in their next meeting in January 2026.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court is reviewing the procedure for appointing a consultant for a development plan of its premises in Chandigarh.
The Union Territory administration extended the deadline for submitting documents to January 21, 2026.
The consultancy fee may exceed Rs 50 lakh, which would require a tendering process under the General Financial Rules (GFR) 2017.
The court emphasized the need to avoid procedural errors to prevent future challenges and delays.
The matter is expected to be listed again on January 9, 2026, for specific directions on the scope of work and the modality for appointing the consultant.
- Who
- Punjab and Haryana High Court, Union Territory administration of Chandigarh, Senior Advocate Amit Jhanji, Additional Solicitor-General of India Satya Pal Jain, Senior Advocate Rupinder Khosla
- What
- Review of the procedure for appointing a consultant for a court-monitored holistic development plan for the high court's premises in Chandigarh
- Where
- Chandigarh
- When
- Next hearing on January 9, 2026
- Why
- To avoid procedural lapses and ensure timely completion of the development plan
Key facts
- Court
- Punjab and Haryana High Court
- Bench
- Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry
- Union Territory Representative
- Senior Advocate Amit Jhanji
- ASG of India
- Satya Pal Jain
- Bar Representative
- Senior Advocate Rupinder Khosla
- Deadline for Documents
- January 21, 2026
- Consultancy Fee Threshold
- Rs 50 lakh
- Next Hearing
- January 9, 2026
Quotes
Amit Jhanji
Senior advocate representing the Union Territory of Chandigarh
“To avoid further delay, it may be appropriate to initiate the tendering process in parallel, since we now have time till January 21.”
indianexpress.com
Satya Pal Jain
Additional Solicitor-General of India
“Otherwise, somebody will come and say why this person was chosen and what the criteria was.”
indianexpress.com
Chief Justice Sheel Nagu
Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court
“Let us not derail a process that has reached the final stage. The intention is to expedite, but without committing any mistake.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
‘NGT can’t test legality of policy’: HC hears challenge to Punjab’s ‘Green Habitat’ plan
HC issues notice to Punjab, Haryana over delay in building old age homes; directs them to file status reports
