UNESCO can revoke the Chandigarh Capitol Complex’s World Heritage status if the Chandigarh Administration makes significant unauthorized changes to its structure without obtaining UNESCO’s approval.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) can consider revoking the Chandigarh Capitol Complex’s World Heritage status if the local Chandigarh Administration makes significant unauthorized modifications affecting its architectural integrity. The Administration must obtain approval from UNESCO before carrying out any alterations, as UNESCO is responsible for monitoring and protecting these heritage sites’ historical and cultural significance.
The Supreme Court of India has issued a stay on the Punjab and Haryana High Court order, which directed the Chandigarh Administration to construct a verandah outside the Chief Justice’s courtroom. The Supreme Court made this decision after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta raised concerns that the proposed construction could have adverse implications for the Chandigarh Capitol Complex’s UNESCO heritage status.
The Supreme Court has issued an order stating that the construction of a verandah in front of Court Room No. 01 by the Union Territory of Chandigarh Administration shall remain suspended pending further instructions.
The Supreme Court issued the order in response to a petition from the Chandigarh Administration challenging a Punjab and Haryana High Court ruling. The Administration argued that the proposed construction would jeopardize the UNESCO heritage status of the Chandigarh Capitol Complex, where the high court building is situated.
Located in Sector 1, the renowned French architect Le Corbusier designed the Chandigarh Capitol Complex. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016, along with several of his other works. The complex covers an area of approximately 100 acres. It includes three main buildings: the Palace of Assembly (which houses the Punjab and Haryana Legislative Assemblies), the Secretariat, and the Punjab and Haryana High Court. There are four monuments within the complex, including the Open Hand Monument.
On behalf of the Union Territory Administration, the Solicitor General expressed concerns regarding the building’s international heritage status. He argued that “Building the verandah would alter the heritage structure. This construction should not become an issue of ego for us. We have been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.”
The Chandigarh Administration raised concerns that the unauthorized construction of a verandah could significantly threaten the Capitol Complex’s prestigious status as a World Heritage Site. In their appeal, they highlighted the importance of adhering to established protocols, stating that any modifications to the High Court building — an integral part of the iconic Capitol Complex designed by the renowned architect Le Corbusier — must receive prior approval from the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. This requirement stems from the site’s designation as a World Heritage Site in 2016, emphasizing the need to preserve this remarkable landmark’s cultural and architectural integrity.
Sources: UNESCO; Supreme Court of India
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