The Small Causes Court building safety issue has raised serious concern among lawyers in Mumbai. Advocates say the court structure has become dangerous despite over ₹30 crore spent on repairs over the past two decades. Visible cracks in pillars, falling plaster and a recent ceiling collapse have increased fears of a major accident inside the busy judicial complex. Thousands of lawyers, litigants and court staff visit the premises daily, making the situation particularly worrying. The Small Causes Court Advocates Association has urged authorities and the Bombay High Court to investigate the building’s condition and consider constructing a safer new court complex.

Mumbai Small Causes Court Building Safety Crisis: Lawyers Raise Alarm Over ‘Death Trap’ Structure Despite ₹30 Crore Repairs

Lawyers in Mumbai have warned that the Mumbai Small Causes Court building has become unsafe despite ₹30 crore spent on repairs over two decades. Structural cracks and falling ceilings have raised fears of a major accident, prompting demands for investigation and construction of a new court complex.

Mumbai Small Causes Court building safety crisis has triggered serious concern among the city’s legal fraternity after lawyers warned that the court premises have become structurally dangerous despite more than ₹30 crore spent on repairs.

Advocates practising at the historic court claim that sections of the building are now so fragile that ceilings and structural components are collapsing, creating risks for thousands of daily visitors.

The Small Causes Court in Mumbai handles a large volume of tenancy disputes, municipal cases and civil matters. Every day, hundreds of lawyers, litigants and court employees work inside the premises.

Lawyers say the deteriorating condition of the building has turned what should be a centre of justice into a potential safety hazard. They have urged the Maharashtra government and the judiciary to intervene immediately.

A formal complaint has been submitted by the Small Causes Court Advocates Association to Maharashtra authorities and to the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court.

The complaint raises questions about the functioning of the Public Works Department, which has overseen repeated repair and renovation projects at the court building during the past two decades.

According to the association, despite significant public spending on maintenance, the structural safety of the building has continued to deteriorate rather than improve.

Structural Cracks, Falling Ceilings and Safety Concerns Inside Mumbai Small Causes Court

The Mumbai Small Causes Court building, constructed during 1980 and 1981, now shows visible signs of structural distress in several sections of the premises.

Advocates have reported large cracks appearing in pillars and beams across court halls, bar rooms and other sections of the building.

These structural fractures have raised serious doubts about the stability of the building’s load bearing framework, particularly in areas where lawyers and litigants gather in large numbers.

A recent incident intensified these fears when a false ceiling suddenly collapsed on the third floor of the building.

The ceiling collapse occurred inside the ladies’ bar room and washroom area, sending shock waves across the legal community and triggering immediate safety concerns.

Although no injuries were reported, lawyers say the incident exposed the fragile condition of the building and highlighted the possibility of a larger accident.

Several advocates told Sprouts News that falling plaster from ceilings and visible cracks in beams have become increasingly common across the court complex.

For many lawyers, the daily experience of working inside the building now involves constant concern about structural safety.

The Small Causes Court handles a heavy daily footfall because of its jurisdiction over rent disputes and municipal litigation in Mumbai.

This means thousands of lawyers, litigants, clerks and court employees pass through the building every working day.

Legal experts warn that any structural failure in such a crowded judicial facility could lead to a serious public safety disaster.

₹30 Crore Repair Spending Raises Questions About Public Works Department Oversight

One of the most controversial aspects of the issue involves the substantial public funds already spent on repairing the court building.

Advocates claim that more than ₹30 crore has been spent on renovation and repair works over the past twenty years.

Despite this large expenditure, lawyers argue that the condition of the building has shown little improvement and, in some areas, has worsened significantly.

The Small Causes Court Advocates Association has questioned whether the repairs carried out by the Public Works Department were technically adequate.

Lawyers have suggested that the continued deterioration of the structure may indicate serious administrative lapses or financial irregularities.

The association has called for a high level investigation to examine how public funds were utilised during the repeated renovation projects.

Legal representatives have written to senior political leaders including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde regarding the issue.

A delegation of advocates has also approached the state’s Chief Secretary to demand a detailed inquiry into the matter.

According to the representation, ensuring accountability is essential because the building houses a critical part of Mumbai’s civil justice system.

Also Read: Mumbai Small Causes Court Jurisdiction Reform Debate Grows.

Demand for New Court Infrastructure and Judicial Safety Reforms

In addition to seeking an investigation, lawyers have demanded the construction of a modern and safe court complex to replace the existing structure.

Advocates argue that demolishing the unsafe building and building a new judicial facility would be a long term solution for Mumbai’s growing legal needs.

The current building, they say, was designed decades ago and may not meet the structural requirements of a heavily used modern court complex.

Mumbai’s expanding population and increasing number of civil disputes have significantly raised the workload handled by the Small Causes Court.

Legal professionals believe the city now requires upgraded court infrastructure capable of safely accommodating high daily footfall and modern judicial operations.

Concerns over the building’s safety also became a major topic during the 2026 elections of the Small Causes Court Advocates Association.

Candidates campaigning in the association elections highlighted the issue and urged members to push for structural reforms and greater institutional accountability.

Lawyers say the credibility of the justice system also depends on ensuring that court premises remain safe for judges, advocates and litigants.

According to the Sprouts News Special Investigation Team, the advocates’ association has warned that the issue will be raised more aggressively through democratic and media channels if authorities fail to act.

For Mumbai’s legal community, the question now is whether policymakers will respond before a structural failure turns the warning signs into a preventable tragedy.