What is it like going inside the Supreme Court? Find out now

The Supreme Court of India is now offering the public a rare opportunity to explore its historic premises through guided tours. These tours will be available every working Saturday, excluding second and fourth Saturdays and declared holidays. Four time slots are available for the tours: 10 am to 11:30 am, 11:30 am to 1 pm, 2 pm to 3:30 pm, and 3:30 pm to 5 pm.

A circular issued by Registrar Mahesh T Patankar on January 9, 2025, outlines that visitors must pre-book their slots online. The guided tours will provide participants with an in-depth look at various sections of the Supreme Court, including its iconic courtrooms, the National Judicial Museum, and Archive. Additionally, visitors will have access to the judges' library within the administrative building complex, an area typically restricted to the public.

The Supreme Court building, a striking example of modernist architecture, was completed in 1958. Its foundation stone was laid by India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, in 1954. Guided tours were first introduced on November 3, 2018, and have since been conducted on 296 occasions.

During the tour, official guides will share valuable information about the building’s history, architectural significance, and the functioning of India’s highest judicial body. The tour generally lasts around one hour and provides an opportunity to explore both the exterior and interior of the premises.

In addition to the courtrooms and judicial archives, the tours will allow visitors to witness areas that are significant to the legal system, providing a firsthand experience of the institution’s role in upholding justice in India. Interested individuals can visit the Supreme Court’s official website for detailed information and to book their spots for an upcoming tour.