Jaldi-Vidhi

Court Design Handbook

Guidance for planning and designing accessible, safe and user-centred courts in India.

1

Court Design Handbook for District Courts in India

Court Design Handbook for District Courts in India

The Design Handbook seeks to envision and implement a user-centric District Court Complex responsive to the needs of all diverse users, i.e., litigants, judges, lawyers, Court staff, witnesses, accused persons, police, public visitors and other stakeholders in the justice system. A principles-based framework is used to highlight associated guidelines and design considerations, for creating truly inclusive, accessible, efficient, comfortable, adaptable, and sustainable Courts where the experience of seeking and providing justice is significantly improved.

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Projects Authors And Acknowledgements
Shreya Tripathy is a Senior Resident Fellow at Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy working as part of the Justice, Access, and Lowering Delays in India (JALDI) Initiative. Priyamvadha Shivaji is a Research Fellow at Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy working as part of the Justice, Access, and Lowering Delays in India (JALDI) Initiative. Brinda Sastry is an architect, urban designer, and planner with experience in formulating policies, audit frameworks, and design guidelines, with a participatory approach, to ensure inclusive and equitable design of public places. Shreya Shetty is an architect and urban design consultant, Co-Founder of 369 Ochre Studio who assisted in drafting the Harmonised Guidelines & Standards for Universal Accessibility in India 2021, drafted by the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) & Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee released by Central Public Works Department, Government of India under Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Bhagyalaxmi Madapur , Co-Founder of 369 Ochre Studio in Bengaluru, India, is an architect and urbanist who worked as a contract consultant with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on the project "Sponge City: Towards Building Flood Resilient Kolkata," which involved creating educational materials-infographic handbooks, videos, and brochures aimed at strengthening the capacity of Kolkata Municipal Corporation for resilient urban services. Abubakar Shaikh is an architect and Art Lead at Autovrse. Gayatri Ganesh is an architect and Experience Designer at Autovrse. Milind D.P. is the Executive Vice President, Consultancy & Projects, BNA Technology Consulting Ltd. His division is focused on IT Infrastructure Design, Project Management and Monitoring of ICT Projects. Arun Kumar is an acoustic consultant at HMPL Consulting Pvt Ltd, Bangalore, with over 8 years of expertise in Architectural, Environmental, and Industrial Acoustics, dedicated to shaping sound environments for optimal experiences. Akshatha Hariharan is an architect exploring the realms of Visual & User experience design. Rama Raghavan is an Architectural writer and researcher based in Pune. As a pedagogue, she has curated courses in Accessibility and Universal Design. She has worked on several publications that intricately connect the built environment with socio-spatial dimensions. This report has been in the making for over two years and owes a great deal to the inputs provided by a multitude of people. The authors would like to thank the following: Deepika Kinhal (Team Lead, JALDI) for her guidance throughout the project and for reviewing the report. The authors are also grateful to Reshma Sekhar (Former Senior Resident Fellow, JALDI) for her contribution to the conceptualisation of the Handbook. Dr. Gaurav Raheja (Professor of Architecture, IIT Roorkee) and Dr. Rahela Korakhiwala (Author, From the Colonial to the Contemporary: Images, Iconography, Memories, and Performances of Law in India's High Courts) for their guidance in the conceptualisation stage. Justice Badar Durrez Ahmad (Former Chief Justice, Jammu & Kashmir High Court), Justice Ponugoti Naveen Rao (Former Acting Chief Justice, Telangana High Court) and Mr. Suresh Kogilgere (Former Registrar, Karnataka High Court) for their inputs for the project. Dr. Tanya Machado (Professor of Clinical Psychology (Rtd). Consultant Clinical Psychologist) and Dr. Ria Fernandez (Rehabilitation Specialist, Mazumdar Shaw Hospital) for their inputs on child-friendly design and providing trauma-informed design considerations for vulnerable witnesses. Akhilesh (Project Second Chance) for his inputs on safe, secure, and humane design considerations for accused persons. Nilesh Singit (independent accessibility expert) and Dr. Sanjay Jain (Professor at National Law School of India University, Bengaluru), members of the Supreme Court Committee on Accessibility, for their inputs on ensuring universal accessibility. Alok Prasanna Kumar (Co-founder and Team Lead, Vidhi Karnataka), and Vidhi Fellows Manmayi Sharma (Senior Resident Fellow, Disability Inclusion & Access), Yashaswini Basu (Outreach Lead, Nyaaya), Yogini Oke (Impact and Partnerships Fellow), Shireen Yachu (Communications Fellow, Impact Collective) and Somya Jain (Research Fellow, Disability Inclusion & Access) for their inputs on the project. Damini Ghosh (Team Lead, Disability, Inclusion & Access at Vidhi) and Prof. Sanjay Kanvinde (Senior Partner, Kanvinde Rai & Chowdhury) for peer-reviewing the Handbook and providing their invaluable feedback. Over the months of February and March 2024, four round-table consultations were held with experts from various fields, on the following themes covered in the Handbook: Institutional capacity building; Making District Courts safe, secure and comfortable; Incorporating Universal Design Principles; and Facilitating efficient and future-ready Court Complexes. The authors would like to thank the following participants for their inputs during the sessions: Justice (retd.) Ponugoti Naveen Rao (former acting Chief Justice at Telangana High Court), Prof. Jyoti Dogra (Professor at Indian Law Institute), Dr. Sheila Ramaswamy (Technical & Operational Lead at NIMHANS), Ms. Arushi Anthwal (Legal Counsel at Counsel to Secure Justice), Ms. Kushi Kushalappa (Director, Support & Rehabilitation at Enfold India), Ms. Shirisha Reddy (Program Manager at Nyaaya Kannada), Mr. Amar Jain (co-founder at Mission Accessibility), Ms. Anita Iyer Narayan (Managing Trustee, sponsor and volunteer at Ekansh Trust), Prof. Gaurav Raheja (Professor Incharge, Inclusion & Accessibility Services at IIT Roorkee), Ms. Nivedita Krishna (founder-director at PACTA), Ms. Pooja Sastry (PhD candidate in architectural history at University College, Dublin), Ms. Shruti Dixit (practising lawyer in Lucknow), Mr. Akshay Jain (Assistant Program Manager at National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People), Mr. Rahul Bajaj (co-founder at Mission Accessibility) and Mr. R. Sri Kumar (former Head of Police Force in Karnataka and former Chief Vigilance Commissioner). The Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy is an independent think-tank doing legal research to make better laws and improve governance for the public good. The JALDI Initiative is a multi-year initiative that aims to advocate for and implement evidence-based reforms to eliminate the existing backlog in Courts and ensure that cases are disposed within reasonable timelines. This report is under the aegis of JALDI Innovation Lab, a multi-disciplinary collaborative of experts to design solutions for the justice delivery systems in India. Errors, if any, rest with the authors. Contact us at jaldi@vidhilegalpolicy.in
Sub Project Title
Design Guide for User-Centric Court Complexes

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law

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Design

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Design-thinking and architecture to transform how accessing justice looks and feels

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Rules and policies to guide implementation of reforms in a fair, just and transparent manner.

Project Videos

Introduction to the series

Introduction to the series

Introduction to the series

How can we improve e-Filing in courts?

How can we improve e-Filing in courts?

How can we improve e-Filing in courts?

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‘DIN 18041 Acoustic quality in rooms - Specifications and instructions for the room acoustic design’

Christian Nocke and Akustikbüro Oldenburg, ‘DIN 18041 - a German View’ (Euronoise 2018)

Acoustic wall panelling can be provided from a height of 3- 4 feet to mitigate any maintenance issues.

‘ASHRAE Handbook HVAC Applications, Chapter 48: Noise and Vibration Control’

‘ASHRAE Handbook HVAC Applications, Chapter 48: Noise and Vibration Control’, Table 1

The standards given are in terms of the sound transmission class (“STC”) which is defined as an integer rating of how well a building partition attenuates airborne sound and are based on the laboratory measurement. The quoted standards are equally applicable to walls and floors.

Any other construction can be explored based on the availability and site requirement satisfying the acoustic requirements.

‘Agreement for Facility Management Contractor's Services’

Naya Raipur Development Authority, 'Request for Proposal: For Selection of a Facility Management Service Provider for Paryavas Bhawan and Its Campus at Sector 19, Naya Raipur' (RFP No: 120 / FMS PB/ RFP/CE(E)/NRDA/2016-17, Naya Raipur dated 20 /10/ 2016)

‘Tender for Facility Management Services At Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Intellectual Property Management/Patent Information System (RGNIIPM/PIS), Nagpur’

‘RFP for Engagement of Outsourcing Agency for Up-Keeping, Cleaning & Maintenance and Electrical Services in District Court Complex, Rayagada and Taluk Court Complexes-Gunupur, Bissamcuttack & Kashipur, for the Year 2022-23’

Odisha Computer Application Centre, Technical Directorate of E&IT Department, Govt. of Odisha ‘Revised request for Proposal: OSDC 2.0 -Extension of Odisha State Data Centre’

High Court of Orissa, Annual Report 2022, pg. 39.

SI. No.

Case example

Context- Sensitive Building Design (Building Design)

Sustainable Site Planning (Site Design)

Passive Design Strategies (Building Design)

Active Design Strategies (Building Design)

Green Building Materials and Finishes (Building Design)

Carbon Reduction and Energy Efficiency (Building Design)

Water Management (Site design)

Native Species for Landscaping (Site design)

Zones

Name

Potential Possibilities

Actionable Components

Delhi High Court Extension Building, Delhi

Complements existing Delhi High Court .

Urban context integration

Functionally optimised layout

Passive solar design.

Natural ventilation.

Energy-efficient glazing

Advanced building management systems

Low-VOC paints

Energy-efficient HVAC systems.

Solar panels.

Green materials.

Rain water harvesting (RWH).

Efficient drainage system

Indigenous plants for landscaping

National Judicial Academy, at Bhopal

Incorporation of local architectural elements and cultural considerations.

Architectural design tailored to the specific context and surroundings of Bhopal.

Environmentally conscious site layout to minimise ecological impact.

Preserving natural features and habitats during construction.

Utilisation of natural elements like sunlight and wind for heating, cooling, and ventilation.

Building orientation to optimise natural light and reduce the need for artificial lighting.

Integration of technology and active systems for efficient heating, cooling, and lighting.

Smart building controls for optimising energy usage based on occupancy and usage patterns.

Use of eco-friendly and sustainable materials for construction and interior finishes.

Implementation of recycling and waste reduction practices during material selection and installation.

Implementation of energy-efficient HVAC systems and lighting solutions.

Integration of renewable energy sources like solar panels to reduce carbon footprint.

Adoption of water-saving fixtures and technologies to minimise water consumption.

Implementation of rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling systems.

Planting native vegetation for landscaping to promote biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Utilisation of drought-resistant plants to reduce water requirements for landscaping.

Khunti District Court, Net-Zero Energy Court Complex, Jharkhand

Incorporation of local architectural elements.

Culturally relevant materials.

Energy-efficient layout.

Landscaping with native flora.

Sustainable water management.

Orientation for natural lighting.

Shading for cooling.

Thermal insulation.

Use of shading devices.

Natural ventilation systems.

Use of sustainable materials.

Low VOC finishes.

Solar panels for net-zero energy.

LED lighting.

Rain water harvesting(RWH).

Use of native plants.

Drought-resistant landscaping.

National Green Tribunal Building, New Delhi

Integration with urban surroundings.

Climate-responsive design.

Optimised site planning

Daylight harvesting.

Facade design for shading.

Green roof. Green spaces on each floor.

Recycled and sustainable materials.

Low-emission paints.

Efficient lighting. HVAC systems.

Green building materials.

Efficient stormwater management.

Rain gardens.

Use of indigenous plants.

Sustainable landscaping.

Surat District Court Complex, Gujarat

Design considerations for Surat's climate and culture.

Sustainable land use planning

Daylighting.

Thermal comfort design.

Occupancy sensors for lighting.

Facade shading.

Energy-efficient HVAC and lighting.

Low-toxicity finishes.

Sustainable rain gardens.

Pervious pavers.

Native species for low-maintenance landscaping.

Kochi International Arbitration Centre, Kerala

Incorporates the traditional architecture of Kerala.

Tropical climate responsiveness.

Sustainable site development.

Rainwater harvesting.

Native plant landscaping.

Passive cooling

Green roof.

Energy-efficient lighting control.

Smart HVAC systems..

Use of eco-friendly materials.

Low-impact finishes.

Energy-efficient lighting.

HVAC systems.

Sustainable waste management.

Efficient storm water management.

Native flora for sustainable landscaping.

Sikkim High Court, Gangtok

Blends with the natural landscape.

Local building techniques.

Efficient site planning to minimise environmental impact

Passive cooling techniques.

Efficient windows.

Insulation.

Advanced HVAC control systems.

Solar shading.

Use of local materials.

Sustainable construction materials.

Sustainable stormwater infrastructure

Biodiversity-rich landscaping.

Neighborhood

Building block layout, aesthetic, and public use communications / wayfinding signages are all included in site treatments.

Effective neighbourhood-based solutions include operational security and traffic guidance/control measures.

Coordinate with existing and proposed development plans, policies, and initiatives

Collaborate with other local security initiatives

Modify the flow of traffic

Take into account incorporating a standoff zone with public right-of-way. Develop and coordinate personal safety programmes.

If necessary, consider closing all or a portion of an existing street. Install temporary barriers for higher levels of alert.

Standoff Perimeter

It is possible to serve the needs of the standoff while improving the site's functionality and attractiveness for the general public, employees, and visitors.

Establish the necessary level of protection based on the risk that is acceptable.

Determine the location and size of the standoff zone.

Where necessary, create a hardened perimeter using the following: Bollards, walls, hardened street furniture, fences, topography, dry moats, collapsible surfaces, sculptures or sitting obstacles, plants / hedges/ landscaping or other appropriate barriers.

Site Access and Parking

Ensuring security for the premises can also facilitate efficient access, passive observation, and improved user convenience.

Identify & define drop-off and pickup locations

Limit access to the premises by including: Inspection zones; retractable bollards; gates, guard posts, and Toby Ports

Supervise the loading and service areas

Provide open access points for emergency personnel

Create distinct pedestrian traffic routes

Create secure parking spaces (parking garage, cellar parking, surface-level parking) both inside and outside the standoff zone including signage, lighting, and wayfinding.

Site

Added protection, safety, and comforts may be provided by site elements including reflecting ponds, seats, and security pavilions on the property and inside the standoff zone border.

Create security structures and other standalone structures that complement the architectural style of the site.

Design multipurpose site amenities, including furniture, planters, water features, lighting, and flora.

Set aside a covered area for lines at entrances.

Building Envelope

The site's overall safety could be improved with security measures.

Designing the building to minimise the impact of explosions

Plan emergency exits that make evacuating a building faster & efficient.

Restrict entry to vents and air intakes.

Position cameras and lighting to improve visibility.

Strengthen the framework and exterior of the building

Management and Building Operations

Without affecting the site itself, improvements to space planning and building operations may minimise certain risks.

Plan the buildings and spaces with flexibility in mind.

If there are site or financial limitations, take into account guards and alternative security activities.

If it is neither practicable nor reasonable to protect site elements or a facility's exterior, choose to do nothing to mitigate the risk instead of accepting it.

Pictorial Representation

Functional Requirements

Members of the judicial system such as Judges, staff and advocates,

Accused Persons & Vulnerable witnesses (separately), and

general occupants of the space.

CCTV with Video Management System for situational awareness

Public Address System for guidance and precise communication

Mode-change of Access Control system to redirect the occupants away from the threat or area of potential risk / incident.

3.1.

Physical Security

Boom Barriers

Image 113: Example of a Boom Barrier

The functional requirements of the Boom Barrier are to ensure that all authorised vehicles punch in their entry time or are tagged in based on the security check at the entrance.

Based on the privilege and the security location designated for the user, the path would be determined, and the Boom Barrier will determine clearance for entry.

Essential

Full Body Scanner

Image 114: Example of a Door Frame Metal Detector

Image 115: Example of a Full Body Scanner

The Full-Body Scanner should be of two variants:

Low-Sensitivity Scanner to be deployed along the boundaries of the perimeter space for creation of a sanitised zone around the Court Complex. For example, the secure Marketplaces in NCR or around the State Assembly buildings.

High-Sensitivity Scanner to be deployed along the transition points as mapped in the adjacency diagrams to control movement of people between secure zones.

Ideally, they should be automated with an alarm loud enough to attract attention of the security personnel around, but with an override to be used manually at a time of heightened threat perception.

Plain Door Frame Metal Detector (“DFMD”) can be blended with room furniture for innocuous and passive security provisioning for VWDC and other sensitive areas. Similarly, portable DFMDs can be used during special times when heavy flow of people traffic is expected into the sanitised areas around court complex.

Baggage Scanner

Image 116: Example of a Baggage Scanner

The Baggage screening System should be portable and non-bulky to facilitate usage in spaces within the Court Complex with space-constraints.

It should be sensitive enough for identifying threats as well as capture images of each scan for records & checks post facto.

Turnstile

Image 117: Example of a Turnstile

Turnstiles are free flow barriers which can be operated by the end users based on access privileges and permissibility to enter the designated secure zone.

These should have the facility to allow entry, avoid tailgating and generate people count to help ensure 100% evacuation during an emergency from the barricaded area.

Bollards & Buried Vehicle Barriers

Image 118: Example of a Bollard & Burried Vehicle Barriers

The functional requirements of Bollards and Buried Vehicle Barriers are to ensure that unauthorised vehicles are not allowed movement in & out of the secured Court premises.

The size and the material of these devices should be as per the aesthetic sensitivity of the Court Complex so as to ensure that it blends in with the rest of the design of the space.

Ideal

Mobile Sniffer

Image 119: Example of a Mobile Sniffer

A Mobile Sniffer is a futuristic system of sniffing explosive materials based on chemical signatures which mimics the natural ability of canines.

It can be deployed during the time of heightened security needs with updated signatures.

Value Addition

3.2.

Management Systems

Evacuation System

Image 120: Representation of an Emergency Communication & Evacuation System

The evacuation system should be planned to ensure an orderly and systematic evacuation of all stakeholders via designated routes to an open, pre-determined safe assembly area outside the complex or a refuge area in case of an enclosed multi-storied building.

The evacuation system for a Court Complex should be simplified by factoring in the specific needs of three distinct stakeholders:

However, the evacuation system has to be augmented with other safety systems like:

Parking Management System

Image 121: Representation of a Parking Management System

The Parking Management System should be designed to automate or manage the flow of vehicular movement with tracking of entry & exit time and generate a bill for attendant payment or auto-debit of parking fees based on the access privileges available to the user.

The system should be upgradable to an enhanced version based on automatic number plate recognition system, once the High Security Registration Plate (“HSRP”) numbering system gets adopted in large numbers.

Visitor Management System

Image 122: Representation of a Visitor Management System

The Visitor Management System has to be formulated to ensure that each visitor to the Court premises have been uniquely identified and accounted for.

The system should track the ready data of the number of visitors on premise, to be checked in case of emergency evacuation

Public Address System

Image 123: Schematic of a Public Address System

The Public Address System is an integral part of an evacuation system. Ideally each node/speaker of the system should be uniquely addressable for specific and contextual messages to the directed stakeholder.

The Public Address System should be flexible to operate, both from the command-and-control system as well as give flexibility to operate via mobile/app based devices.

Access Control System

Radio Frequency Identification (“RFID”)

Image 124: Example of Machine for RFID Access Control

An RFID is used to allow the entry of only authorised personnel in designated areas. It also has the ability to block the card temporarily (subject to administrative override) after repetitive failed attempts

Non-Proprietary Technologies based on RFID/NFC would be ideal for use in Court Complexes to avoid vendor lock-in and prevention of migration to competing service providers.

Biometric Fingerprint

Image 125: Example of Machine for Biometric Fingerprinting Access Control

The functional requirements of Biometric Fingerprinting is to ensure that only authorised personnel are allowed into secured private areas and prevention of forced entry either by proxy or tailgating.

The system can auto block the device temporarily (subject to administrative override) after repetitive failed attempts but should have an option of number punch in case of need for emergency access.

Important

Integrated Review of Infrastructure for Safety (“IRIS”)

Image 126: Example of Machine for IRIS Access Control

IRIS is used to control the entry and exit of individuals within a designated area of the Court Complex. By this technology, it can be ensured that only authorised personnel enter certain designated areas or are prevented from exiting by impersonation.

The size and the material of these devices should be as per the aesthetic sensitivity of the court complex so as to gel with the rest of the design and not look out of place to be consciously visible.

3.3.

Security for Surveillance & Communication

IP Camera System with Video Analytics & Masking

Image 127: Representation of a Video Management System

The IP Camera system should be based on open architecture, with an ability to integrate with legacy analog devices as well as support future proof systems such as Automatic Number-Plate Recognition (“ANPR”), Video Analytics, Facial Recognition, and Masking.

The Video Management System proposed for such a system should be able to integrate with multi-party products and have flexible licensing mechanisms.

It should be able to add triggers and generate alerts & notifications once the trigger conditions are met.

Internet Protocol (“IP”) Surveillance System

Image 128: Example of an IP Surveillance System

The IP Surveillance system should be an all-weather system capable of recording in normal as well as exceptional mode in near dark condition. Thermal Cameras may be used in perimeter areas for intrusion detection.

Ideally the Field of View should cover all areas of transit including and not limited to corridors, pathways and even elevators for accused.

The Security Committee of the Court Complex should make provision for a Command and Control centre with a Quick Response Team, based on alerts and threats flagged by the system as part of the Security Policy.

3.4.

Digital Signage System/Mass Notification System

Image 129 : Example of Digital Mass Notification System for guiding emergency evacuation

Image 130: Example of a Mass Notification System

The Digital Signage System should be multi-functional which would address diverse needs of the Court Complex from case listing to guidance messages during evacuation.

Ideally the Mass Notification system should be IP addressable, allowing remote management and online notification.

It should be synchronised with the Court Management System to allow specific and contextual messages on Display Boards which are in proximity to each Court.

These are generally mass notification systems and avoid voice/sound as it disturbs a captive audience (in an enclosed area like waiting areas/lift lobbies or even outside court complexes). The system is generally equipped to have multi-lingual messaging and tickers/scrollers for contextual and attention grabbing time bound messages.

3.5.

Information Kiosks

Image 131: Example of an accessible information kiosk

Image 132: Example of a Mass Notification System and Accessible Interactive Self-Service Kiosks

Information Kiosks should be used throughout the Court Complex for addressing the information needs of specific individuals regarding their case details, ongoing proceedings in Courtrooms across the Court Complex, etc.

Accessibility guidelines and standards in signage and kiosk placement must be taken into consideration.

The system must display messages in multiple languages, have Text-to-Speech capability, braille integration, audio description for visual content, closed captioning for video content, audible alerts, high contrast display, and customizable font size and type.

The Kiosk should also be equipped to provide real-time captioning for live events and provide accessible documents in alternative formats for Persons with Disabilities.

3.6.

Special Interventions

Server Room/Telecommunication Room/IP Camera Network Video Recorder (“NVR”) Room

Image 133: Representative Image of a Server Room

A secure room must be designated as the Server Room with temperature-control provisions to accommodate all IT Services including and not limited to Networking, Data, IP Camera system including Video recording, Building Management system, etc.

Ideally this room should have very restricted entry with logging of entry and exit.

The data access to requisite subsystems within this room should be provided by software access.

Strong Room/Bunker

Image 134: Representative Image of a Strong Room/Bunker

A Strong Room/Bunker may be provided in the underground areas of high-risk vulnerable complexes for undertaking trials in high-ly sensitive cases. However, where such provisions are not available, video-conferencing facilities may be used to help mitigate the risk and need for such a requirement.

Lead Protection System/Bullet Proof System

Image 135: Example of a Lead Protection System

Based on the threat perception of the Court Complex, a ballistic system could be provisioned to ensure the safe escort of the judiciary as well as risk mitigation for key witnesses/undertrials who may be vulnerable.

This intervention may be decided by the Security Committee as needed and appropriate.

PROCESS LITIGANTS

PROCESS JUDGE

PROCESS ACCUSED

PROCESS ADVOCATE

PROCESS COURT OFFICIALS

PROCESS VWDC

Court Staff

Registrar/Assistant Registrar

Chief Administrative Officer

Shirestedar

Stenographers

Bench Clerks

Software Technicians

Process Servers

Bailiffs

First Division Assistants (“FDA”)

Second Division Assistants (“SDA”)

Typists (Copyists)

Attenders

Peons

Cleaners

Drivers

4.2. Shopkeepers & Other Amenity Providers

Bookstalls and stationery shops (including lawyers’ accessories)

Notary/Typist Services

ATM and Bank Facilities Staff

Photocopiers

Stamp Vendors

Oath Commissioners

Food & Drink Stalls

The designing of the Court Complex should begin with a thoughtful spatial organisation that considers the placement and adjacencies of Courtrooms, waiting areas, and ancillary spaces.

Shared walls between Courtrooms should be avoided to reduce sound transmission in cases where there are multiple Courtrooms in a single building. For example, non-acoustically sensitive spaces like store rooms can be planned in between courtrooms to ensure a buffer zone.

The public spaces must be strategically placed to prevent noise interference with Court proceedings.

5.1.

B. Courtroom Furniture and Layout:

Furniture and seating arrangements that contribute to good acoustic conditions must be used. For example, fabric upholstery.

The furniture must be positioned to facilitate clear communication among lawyers, litigants, Judges and other support persons during the proceedings. Ensure clear sight lines between all important participants.

Design considerations

The area behind the judge's desk and the two side walls should be balanced with sound-reflecting and sound-absorbing surfaces. The wall surfaces should reflect signals towards the Judge, Bench Clerk, Accused Persons, Witnesses and other specialised persons such as interpreters or translators, whenever an advocate speaks in that direction; but the ceiling should absorb sound to reduce its reflection, which can restrict the judge's ability to hear. Wooden/laminate panels and specific paint finishes may be considered for the back wall, and acoustic materials with 0.75 – 0.9 Noise Reduction Coefficient (“NRC”) shall be provided for the ceiling.

Ceiling design in the Courtroom should be carefully studied. For example, if barrel-vaulted and coffered ceilings are used, the acoustical treatment would be inappropriate, as they can cause a fluttering echo or elongation of sound.

The rear of the Courtroom is the area for the general public and should be treated as acoustically "dead", with highly absorptive materials on the floors, walls, and ceiling.This will eliminate serious reverberation in the back, where most of the sound will be directed.Additionally, this will reduce the noise level generated by the spectators and witnesses seated in the public area.

Most Courtrooms that have hard benches, inclined at an angle, generate more reverberations. Upholstered seats could be considered to prevent uncontrollable reverberations in the room. Perforated/slotted wooden/laminated acoustic panels, fibre reinforced perforated gypsum may be considered for the wall treatment to achieve minimum 0.75 NRC.

Wherever possible floors in Courtrooms should be carpeted to prevent transmission of sound to the Courtroom below, as well as to absorb unwanted reflected sounds from the walls and ceilings.

Material recommendations

Below are the recommendations for the acoustic properties of materials to be used in the Courtroom.

I. Wall materials:

Figure 77: Floorplan of a Courtroom with the layout for material recommendations for the Courtroom walls

II. Ceiling materials:

Figure 78: Floorplan of a Courtroom with the layout for material recommendations for the Courtroom ceiling

III. Acoustic materials:

Image 137: Example of perforated wooden/laminate acoustic panel (left) and slotted wooden/laminated acoustic panel (right)

Image 138: Example of mineral fibre ceiling tiles (left) and perforated gypsum tile ceiling (right)

Image 139: Example of fibre-reinforced perforated gypsum wall panelling (left) and perforated acoustic metal ceiling tiles (right)

The finishing material can be selected based on location, availability, maintenance etc., while ensuring that the required acoustic properties are met.

Road and Air Traffic

Metro and Railways

Neighbouring industries

Party Grounds/Convention Centres

Event Spaces/Stadiums

Windmill/Wind Noise (For example, in high range areas)

Other environmental noises

Planning the building façade to avoid noise intrusion. (For example, avoid windows and openings where high noises are expected.)

Planning for the building compound wall/landscape elements to avoid noise transmission. (For example, trees, bushes and other landscaping elements may be used to block/diffuse noises to reduce the hindrance.)

Planning the building openings/entrances/windows strategically to avoid noise transfer.

Designing the façade using materials to mitigate environmental noise levels.

HVAC Noises (Air flow noise, equipment noise)

FAN Noises

Cooler Noises

Other electrical/network equipment

Plan the HVAC equipment strategically, i.e., noisy equipment must be placed away from sensitive areas, and low noise diffusers, duct lining and lagging materials must be used to reduce the noise.

Low noise ceiling/wall fans must be used.

High noise electrical/networking equipment must be placed away from sensitive zones.

High noise areas must be isolated from the sensitive zones by planning other non-sensitive spaces next to them.

All the penetrations in the acoustic partition/wall must be sealed acoustically.

Where sound insulation is a requirement, lightweight concrete blocks must not be used. dense concrete blocks

(1750 – 1950 kg/m3)

may be used depending on the sound transmission performance required.

All partitions must be continued to the soffit of the floor slab and any holes or gaps filled. Perimeter gaps shall be filled by packing with dense mineral wool and finishing off with mortar or flexible building sealant.

For the POSCO Court special considerations must be given to ensure the privacy of the victims. For example, architectural considerations like screens, planters, etc., can be used to achieve the same

Lato

justified

Agreement for facility management contractor’s services prepared by the National Handloom Development Corporation Limited, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

Request for proposal for selection of a facility management service provider for Paryavas Bhawan and its campus at Sector 19, Naya Raipur, prepared by the Naya Raipur Development Authority.

Tender for facility management services at Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Intellectual Property Management/Patent Information System (“RGNIIPM/PIS”), Nagpur prepared by the Government of India, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Request for Proposals for selection of agency for providing comprehensive facility management services prepared by the Office of the District Judge, Rayagada, Odisha.

The application would feature comprehensive maps with detailed floor plans of the public areas of the Court Complex, allowing users to locate courtrooms, e-Seva Kendra, restrooms, elevators, and other essential facilities.

Real-time updates on Courtroom schedules, case statuses, and queue information will enable users to plan their visits effectively and manage their time efficiently.

Accessibility features would be integrated to accommodate users with disabilities, such as visual impairments or mobility limitations. This could include options for high-contrast displays, voice-guided navigation, wheelchair-accessible routes, and auditory cues.

In addition to navigation features, the application would integrate emergency protocols to guide users during evacuation procedures or critical situations within the Court Complex.

The app would feature virtual queue management, enabling users to join queues remotely and receive timely notifications, thus reducing congestion and wait times in the Court Complex, and improving the overall user experience.

The app would provide language options and translation services for users requiring assistance in legal proceedings or speaking different languages.

The app should prioritise collaboration with accessibility experts to ensure set standards of inclusivity for all users.

The app would integrate with public transit, aiding users in planning travel to and from the Court Complex, and also offer details on nearby bus stops, train stations, parking, and accessible transportation options, ensuring seamless travel for all.

The app would feature an interactive help desk for users to seek guidance from Court staff, and access legal resources, FAQs, and informational materials to empower users with knowledge about their rights and available services.

The app would feature a robust feedback system for users to provide ratings, reviews, and suggestions, ensuring continuous improvement of functionality and user experience.

It should also incorporate significant security measures, incorporating sophisticated protocols to safeguard sensitive information and ensure secure access to the application. This includes implementing multi-factor authentication, encryption, and regular security audits to protect user data and maintain privacy.

The app may also feature integration of visitor check-in and arrival forms to facilitate registration and commencement of litigation case processing, or to display existing case data if already registered.

PART E – ANNEXURES

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Annexure 1

Annexure 2

Annexure 3

Annexure 4

Annexure 5

Annexure 6

Annexure 7

Annexure 8

Annexure 9

Annexure I: Sustainability Case Studies in the Indian Context

Table 22:

Examples of sustainability case studies in India.

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Annexure II: Overview of the building zones within the Court Complex

Table 23:

Six building zones within the Court Complex.

Annexure III: Security Modules for Court Infrastructure

This section focuses on the multiple Security Systems and ICT needed for a Court Complex to ensure safety and wellbeing of all stakeholders. It is an attempt to list out all the different aspects of the enabling technological interventions which impact stakeholders, security locations and strategic IT & Security modules needed for a holistic approach for safety

The different security systems which typically form the elements of a safety policy are detailed below. The systems and interventions identified have also been categorised into

Essential, Important, Ideal and Value Addition

categories which can be chosen as required.

Table 24:

Security Systems to be implemented in the Court Complex.

Annexure IV: List of Court Staff Personnel and Vendors

Annexure V: Design Considerations for Acoustics within the Court Complex

The acoustic design of Court Complexes plays a crucial role in upholding the integrity of the judicial process. Proper acoustic planning is essential to minimise noise disruptions, enhance communication, and ensure a conducive environment for legal proceedings. This section delves into key considerations and strategies for achieving effective acoustic design in Court Complexes across India.

For a typical Courtroom, the litigation area is where the legal proceedings are undertaken and it should be audible to all the participants in the Courtroom. Therefore the litigation area is required to have moderate sound absorption and the audience area requires high sound absorption to avoid echo and noise buildup.

Architectural Considerations

A. Spatial Organisation and Architectural Layout: Layout:

5.2.

Acoustic Considerations

When conceptualising the interior of a Court Complex, attention must be given to acoustic considerations. The layout and design should incorporate sound-absorbing materials such as acoustic panels, carpets, and drapes to minimise reverberation and ensure clarity of speech. Strategic placement of these materials along with partitions within courtrooms, corridors, and waiting areas helps attenuate noise levels and maintain confidentiality during proceedings. The following section delves into the acoustic parameters and provides recommendations for the different spaces within a Court Complex.

A. Reverberation Time (RT60)

The need to limit the short reverberation time in a Court Complex is critical to preserve speech intelligibility. The reverberation time target for the Courtroom and associated public areas must be determined using the figure below:

Image 136: Reverberation time target in relation to Space volume

The graph A2 in the figure above should be referred for the Courtroom and all associated spaces where the primary importance is given to speech audibility.

B. Background Noise Level

The background noise level shall be maintained in the courtroom and associated spaces to ensure speech intelligibility in the space. The background noise level is the totality of all sounds within the room when the space is unoccupied and all the services are running as normal. The below diagram illustrates a few most common sources of noises.

Image 140: Examples of common sources of noise

The acceptable noise level in the Courtroom and associated spaces shall be derived from the National Building Code and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (“ASHRAE”), for the Courtroom Noise Criterion (“NC”) 30 (35 dBA) must be achieved to avoid any disturbances.

The following considerations must be taken into account to achieve the noise level requirements:

I. Environmental Noise

The environmental noise must be taken into consideration in the early stages of the planning process. Road and air-traffic noise must be studied before planning the building to ensure the noise generated will not disturb the Court Complex functions. The building façade, orientation, and shapes must be planned to avoid these noises travelling into the building.

During the initial planning of the building, the designer should be mindful of the following major sources of noises that might be generated in the vicinity of the site:

The following recommendations may be taken into consideration to mitigate the effects of these noise sources:

II. Mechanical services Noise

All the building services within the Court Complex must be designed to achieve the background noise levels as derived from the standard guidelines.

Table 26:

Recommended noise levels within various spaces in the Court Complex

Below are the sources and mitigations for possible mechanical services noises in the building:

The following are the recommendations to mitigate these noise levels:

While the above recommendations are generic, each Courtroom may possess certain unique challenges based on the location and other parameters, therefore all the possible noise sources must be carefully studied to avoid any noise problems in the future.

C. Air-borne Noise Isolation

To achieve the required level of privacy between different areas of a court, it is essential that the intervening wall and floor constructions provide sufficient levels of airborne sound insulation. The following table represents the recommended isolation value for different spaces in a Court Complex.

Table 27:

Recommended isolation value for different spaces within the Court Complex.

I. Walls

The sound insulation requirement of each partition should be assessed for each room/space based on the adjacent area and the location. The following table represents different construction materials and their STC values. Ideal materials can be selected as per the specific location requirements.

Table 28:

Construction materials that may be used depending on the STC values.

II. Doors

For all the acoustically sensitive spaces, acoustic doors shall be provided, which will avoid any noise leakages to the adjacent area. STC 45 rated doors are recommended for the courtrooms and other sensitive areas, the need of the acoustic doors can be eliminated by providing a lobby to lock the sound travel. The doors shall be solid timber door having, minimum

thick/ acoustic door

thick with a rebated frame and acoustic seals all around.

D. Audio System Intelligibility

Where audio systems are used to enhance intelligibility in Courtrooms, they must achieve a minimum Speech Transmission Index (“STI”) value of

in all coverage zones. The design of speech reinforcement systems to achieve particular STI values is a specialised subject and shall be carried out only by an acoustic consultant or public address system designer.

Annexure VI: Comprehensive List of Accessibility Measures

Accessibility stands as a cornerstone of justice. In the pursuit of upholding principles of equality and justice within the legal system, it becomes imperative to ensure that every person has unimpeded access to the Courts. This annexure serves as an essential resource, offering a comprehensive list of spaces and tools designed to accommodate persons with diverse disabilities (visible, invisible and temporary) in the context of the District Court Complex. This is provided as a ready reckoner, in addition to the space-by-space recommendations provided in the Design Handbook.

Apart from facilitating physical access, this annexure also underscores the importance of providing technological solutions such as assistive devices and digital accessibility features. Further, it highlights the significance of sensitivity training for Court staff to ensure effective communication and support for persons with disabilities.

Prioritising accessibility ensures legal compliance and cultivates an inclusive environment that respects the diverse needs of all court users, affirming the commitment to equitable access to justice for all.

List of accessible spaces and associated tools:

Annexure VII: Relevant Sustainable Development Goals Adopted in the Handbook

The following table outlines the relevant SDGs being addressed along with the specific Targets:

Table 29:

Relevant design considerations provided for Sustainable Development Goals

Annexure VIII: Examples of Scope of Work of Facilities Management Services

8.1.

For Court Complexes that are already in use:

Several Requests for Proposals (“RFPs”) and contractual agreements are available for reference where the scope of work covers aspects ranging from site level management to servicing of building facilities. The following may be referred to for examples of detailed scope of work:

8.2.

For new or under construction Court buildings:

A good example that may be referred to is the Request for Proposal, OSDC 2.0 - Extension of Odisha State Data Centre, 2021, prepared by the Technical Directorate of E&IT Department, Government of Odisha.

The RFP provides components of planning and design where the minimum specified scope of work to be undertaken by the bidder is for designing, building, supplying, installation, and commissioning along with operations and maintenance of technical services and soft services. The RFP also provides indicative floor plans with furniture layouts and specifications for internal elements including environmentally friendly and ergonomic furniture.

Currently, the Orissa High Court has also established a Judicial Infrastructure Management Agency (“JIMA”) as a dedicated Division Division established by the State government in consultation with the High Court in Odisha in 2022 for the management of judicial infrastructure is a significant, path-breaking initiative worth emulating. The JIMA, comprising Engineers and Architects, manages the construction and maintenance of all judicial infrastructure of the State. It serves as a Nodal Agency that monitors the physical and financial status of all state judiciary infrastructure projects. Its primary functions include overseeing project preparation, drawing and design, architecture, procurement, award of contracts, supervising the engineering and construction for new projects, and handling maintenance and renovation of existing projects, including annual maintenance contracts.

Annexure IX: Accessibility App

The outlined key features and indicative development process are objectively intended for the concerned Court officials and the app developers (who would be officially designated through the formal process) to provide a foundational understanding of the essential frameworks required for app development. The development process must align with subjectively relevant parameters and the availability of necessary resources.

9.1.

Key Features

Image 141: Emergency Messaging and Alerts for digital signage

9.2.

Indicative Process of Application Development

The development process of the application should be contextualised, with careful consideration of the specific user requirements and available essential resources. The following are the indicative steps prescribed to be followed for developing the app for a particular District Court:

References

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Bollards & Burried Vehicle Barriers

Access Control System - RFID

Access Control System – IRIS

Access Control System – Biometric Fingerprint

IP Surveillance System

Digital Signage System / Mass Notification System

Lead Protection System / Bullet Proof System

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Required as Applicable

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Relevant Design Considerations