Did you know Madras High Court celebrates 155th anniversary this month?

Born 85 years before the country got its independence, the court was established after The Indian High Courts Act, 1861 was passed by the British Parliament. After its initial functioning at the present Chennai Collectorate, it moved to the present campus in 1892.

Much has changed in and around the High Court, which celebrated jurist Fali Nariman once described as the finest court in the country. The High Court beach has disappeared, the historical light house — the oldest structure within the High Court complex (constructed in 1838) — was closed. The two temples — the water from the wells of which witnesses had to take oath on — have also been moved outside the complex. But many things still remain the same, like the Silver Mace bearers, who precede the judges, addressing judges as My Lord and Lordship and wearing colonial robes.