1.65 Lakh Lawyers, Just 7,745 Chambers: Delhi’s Courts Gasp for Space
Delhi’s judicial infrastructure is facing a critical challenge, with only 7,745 chambers available for a staggering 1.65 lakh practicing lawyers in the national capital. This alarming mismatch between demand and infrastructure has sparked deep concern among the legal fraternity, particularly in lower courts such as Tis Hazari, Saket, Karkardooma, Rohini, Patiala House, and Dwarka.
Worsening Space Crunch
Over the past decade, Delhi has witnessed a sharp rise in the number of legal professionals, but the number of chambers has remained stagnant or grown minimally. Senior advocates and Bar Council members have repeatedly flagged this issue, warning that the lack of professional workspaces affects case preparation, client confidentiality, and judicial efficiency.
In many courts, lawyers are often seen working in open hallways, temporary tents, or even court lawns, exposing them to both discomfort and a lack of privacy.
Impact on Legal Practice
The chamber shortage has become a major bottleneck for lawyers starting their careers. Young advocates, without access to proper chambers, often struggle to build client trust or retain professional credibility. The Bar Council of Delhi has called for immediate attention to this crisis, urging the government and the Delhi High Court administration to allocate more land and funds to build additional chamber blocks.
Legal Community Demands Expansion
Bar associations across the city have submitted multiple proposals over the years, requesting vertical expansion of chamber blocks and the repurposing of unused judicial land. Many have suggested adopting smart workspace models or shared office clusters to mitigate the crisis temporarily.
Despite several assurances, only minor improvements have been made. The need for a long-term infrastructure policy tailored to the capital’s growing legal sector remains unmet.
Future Outlook
With legal reforms and digitization driving more people toward litigation, the number of practicing lawyers is expected to grow. Without strategic infrastructure upgrades, the chamber shortage could hinder the smooth functioning of the judicial system.
A senior official noted, “Infrastructure is the backbone of justice delivery. Without adequate space for lawyers to function, we are compromising the quality of legal representation.”
Conclusion
The Delhi legal ecosystem is under increasing pressure. With 1.65 lakh lawyers and just 7,745 chambers, the urgent need for judicial infrastructure development can no longer be ignored. The legal fraternity awaits decisive action to ensure equitable, efficient, and dignified working conditions.
