Rajasthan Chief Secretary V. Srinivas on Monday, 31 August chaired a high-level review of the structural rehabilitation and safety works at the Rajasthan High Court building in Jodhpur, directing all departments to complete pending works within the stipulated timeframe and ensure full compliance with the High Court's directives. The review, held at the Government Secretariat in Jaipur, was the third such meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary on the matter.

Key Directives from the Chief Secretary

Srinivas stressed that there must be no compromise on the structural safety of the High Court building. He directed officials to obtain the detailed technical report from IIT Bombay at the earliest and act promptly on its findings. Departments were also instructed to maintain close coordination and keep factual, updated progress reports ready ahead of the upcoming court hearing.

On accountability, Srinivas directed the Public Works Department (PWD) to fix responsibility and initiate disciplinary action in a time-bound manner wherever construction deficiencies are established. He also sought details of all tests conducted by technical experts and instructed officials to obtain pending reports without delay.

Phase I and Phase II Rehabilitation Works

Additional Chief Secretary, PWD, Praveen Gupta briefed the meeting on the progress of rehabilitation works. Phase I, with an estimated cost of ₹27.41 crore, is being carried out in high- and medium-sensitivity areas using a methodology approved by IIT Bombay. Of the 24 courtrooms on the first floor, work on 17 has been completed. Essential safety and restoration works — including roof waterproofing and repairs to the central dome — are also under way in critical areas.

Administrative and financial approval of ₹30.24 crore has been issued for Phase II, with work scheduled to commence on 20 September. The meeting also reviewed compliance with directions issued on 17 August and the status of the Action Taken Report (ATR).

Central Dome: No Immediate Collapse Risk

Regarding the central dome — one of the primary structural concerns — Gupta informed the meeting that interim non-destructive testing has indicated no immediate risk of collapse. Further action will be taken based on the detailed report from IIT Bombay, which is awaited.

Notably, the Rajasthan High Court had taken suo motu cognisance on 10 August 2026 of issues concerning the central dome and other structural deficiencies in the main court building at Jodhpur. Since then, the state government has been conducting regular reviews of safety, restoration, and rehabilitation works in compliance with the court's directions.

Who Attended the Review

The meeting was attended by Praveen Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, PWD; the Chief Engineer, PWD; and senior officials from the Finance Department, Law Department, and the Rajasthan State Road Development and Construction Corporation (RSRDC). Representatives of IIT Jodhpur and IIT Bombay participated via video conferencing.

With Phase II set to begin later this month, the pace of compliance and the findings of the IIT Bombay technical report will be closely watched at the next court hearing.