HC getting decked upfor centenary function

PATNA: The Patna high court is gearing up for its centenary celebrations, which start on April 18. Its building has got a new "creme white" colour. The building construction department is busy repairing the court's existing building. A new artificial fountain has been constructed on the court premises. In fact, the court's interior has also been changed and provided false ceiling with black colour glass panes on the windows.The whole court is giving a new look.
President Pranab Mukherjee and Chief Justice of India H L Dattu are set to grace the inaugural event. The President is expected to release a postage stamp to commemorate the event. Other dignitaries expected to attend the event include Union law minister D V Sadananda Gowda, Bihar governor Keshari Nath Tripathi and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar.
The inaugural function will be in two parts: In the morning, the function will be inaugurated by the President, followed by speeches of the dignitaries, presentation of mementoes and souvenirs and release of first-day cover and commemorative postal stamp. In the evening, cultural programme will be held where Pt. Hari Prasad Chourasiya (flute) and Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma (santoor) will perform. Bihar Gaurav Gaan will also be sung on the occasion. It will be followed by a laser show, in which the famous judgments of Patna high court and other historical heritage will be shown.
Several committees comprising high court judges have been formed and assigned different tasks. The coordination committee is headed by Justice Iqbal Ahmed Ansari and Justice Navaniti Prasad Singh. There are hospitality, pandal, press, accommodation, invitation, reception, transportation, programme and protocol committees. Every committee is headed by one or two judges of the Patna high court. Under them, there will be registrar, joint registrar and judges of Patna district court.
The guests will start reaching Patna from April 17. Seventy Innova cars have been arranged for these guests' transportation. Hotel Maurya has been booked for their accommodation. Sources said chief justice L Narasimha Reddy is personally monitoring preparations for the inaugural event on a daily basis.
The foundation stone of the high court building was laid on December 1, 1913 by Viceroy Lord Hardinge. The building of the Patna high court was completed and formally inaugurated on February 14,1916 by the Viceroy. India's first President Rajendra Prasad had practised as a lawyer here.
The under-construction extension building named 'Centenary Building' spread over 1.5 acres is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 116 crore. CM Nitish Kumar had laid the foundation stone of the centenary building on January 4 last year. It would have 46 courtrooms and 58 judges' chambers besides other amenities, including conference room, judges' lounge, library and record hall.