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Key Points

The Kerala Cabinet has given its approval for a major new Judicial City in Kalamassery. This project will see a modern High Court complex built to address the chronic issues faced by the current building in Kochi. The new facility is planned with extensive amenities, including dozens of courtrooms and administrative blocks. However, the relocation has been met with opposition from lawyers' associations concerned about moving away from the city center.

Key Points: Kerala Cabinet Approves New High Court Judicial City in Kalamassery

  • Project to be built on 27 acres of HMT land at an estimated cost of over Rs 1,000 crore
  • New complex will feature three towers with 61 court halls and modern facilities
  • Aims to solve waterlogging and space issues at current Kochi High Court location
  • Plan follows 2023 discussions between the Chief Minister and Chief Justice
2 min read

Kerala Cabinet approves new Judicial City in Kalamassery

Kerala government approves Rs 1,000 crore Judicial City in Kalamassery, featuring 61 court halls to modernize infrastructure and address Kochi High Court issues.

"The State government plans to acquire 27 acres of land owned by HMT for the project - P. Rajeev, Kerala Law Minister"

Kochi, Sep 24

The Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday approved the construction of a new High Court building and Judicial City in Kalamassery, a suburb of Ernakulam, marking a major step in modernising the state's judicial infrastructure.

The State government plans to acquire 27 acres of land owned by HMT for the project, which is estimated to cost over Rs 1,000 crore, Kerala Minister for Industries, Coir, and Law P. Rajeev announced on his official Facebook page.

The Public Works Department (PWD) has prepared a preliminary blueprint for the Judicial City, which will feature three multi-storeyed towers covering over 12 lakh square feet, housing 61 court halls, the registrar's office, an auditorium, administrative and library blocks, arbitration centre, recruitment cell, information centre, and the Advocate General’s office, in addition to chambers for advocates.

Plans also include parking facilities and rainwater harvesting systems.

The Cabinet's approval follows discussions held during the annual Chief Minister–Chief Justice meeting in 2023.

A delegation led by then Kerala High Court Chief Justice A.J. Desai, along with Justices Mohammed Mushtaq, Bechu Kurian Thomas, Raja Vijayaraghavan, and Satheesh Ninan, visited the HMT-owned site in Kalamassery, which was deemed ideal for the new Judicial City due to its connectivity.

Kalamassery is linked to several national highways, the Seaport-Airport Road, and the Kochi Metro Rail, and happens to be Minister Rajeev’s constituency.

The move comes after longstanding concerns about the present High Court building in central Kochi, which faces severe waterlogging, limited parking, and proximity to the ecologically sensitive Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary.

However, the proposal has drawn strong opposition from the Kerala High Court Advocates' Association (KHCAA), which has repeatedly voiced concerns over relocating the High Court away from Kochi city.

The Home Department has been directed to initiate the implementation of the project, which is expected to redefine judicial infrastructure in Kerala while addressing the space and environmental challenges of the existing High Court building.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Rs 1,000 crore is a huge amount! While better infrastructure is welcome, I hope this doesn't become another white elephant project. The government should ensure transparency in spending and timely completion.
A
Arjun K
Kalamassery is indeed well-connected with metro, highways, and airport road. Smart choice location-wise. But I understand why advocates are concerned - many have established offices near the current court. Relocation will be challenging for them.
S
Sarah B
Good to see rainwater harvesting being included in the plans. Sustainable infrastructure is the need of the hour. Hope they also incorporate solar power and other green initiatives.
M
Michael C
Interesting that this is in the minister's constituency. While the location makes sense connectivity-wise, hope this isn't just political mileage. The project should benefit the common people seeking justice, not just politicians.
D
Divya L
As someone who frequently visits courts, better parking facilities and modern infrastructure will be a blessing. The current situation is chaotic. Hope they maintain the heritage value of the old building though!
K
Karthik V
Moving away from Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is a wise environmental decision. The current location's ecological concerns needed addressing. Hope the new complex sets standards for future government buildings in Kerala. 👍

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