A Division Bench led by the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court on Wednesday expressed serious concern over restrictions on lawyers’ entry into the CGO Complex, which houses the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) and other government offices. The Bench observed that unreasonable or arbitrary limitations on access impede the fundamental right to access justice, especially for litigants who must approach the Tribunal through their counsel.

During the hearing, the Court noted that a recent meeting convened to resolve the issue had failed to yield any workable solution. The Bench expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of progress and its acknowledgment of the security sensitivities in the CGO Complex, while stressing that such concerns cannot override the essential right of legal practitioners to access adjudicatory forums.

Acting on suggestions from ASG Chetan Sharma, the Bench directed that the matter be brought to the urgent attention of the Secretary, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, as well as the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, to devise a “plausible and practical solution” that balances security with unhindered access for lawyers.

The Court also directed that the Secretaries of both Ministries consult with the President and Secretary of the CAT Bar Association before finalising any mechanism. The Bench reiterated that a coordinated approach is essential to ensure that lawyers’ movement within the CGO Complex does not become a barrier to justice delivery.

The matter will be taken up again after two weeks, with the Court expecting a clear, workable proposal from the authorities.