What are the details of the new Judicial City approved by the Kerala Cabinet?
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Synopsis
On September 24, the Kerala Cabinet approved an ambitious project to create a new High Court building and Judicial City in Kalamassery. This initiative aims to modernize Kerala's judicial infrastructure, addressing longstanding issues while enhancing connectivity and facilities. Read on to discover the project's features and the mixed reactions it has provoked.
Key Takeaways
- The Kerala Cabinet has approved a new Judicial City in Kalamassery.
- The project will include a High Court building and various court facilities.
- It aims to address issues faced by the current High Court in Kochi.
- The investment is expected to exceed Rs 1,000 crore.
- Opposition has been voiced by the Kerala High Court Advocates' Association.
Kochi, Sep 24 (NationPress) The Kerala Cabinet has given the green light for the establishment of a new High Court building and Judicial City in Kalamassery, a suburb of Ernakulam, representing a significant advancement in the modernization of the state's judicial framework.
The government plans to acquire 27 acres of land from HMT for this initiative, with an estimated investment exceeding Rs 1,000 crore, as revealed by Kerala Minister for Industries, Coir, and Law P. Rajeev on his official Facebook profile.
The Public Works Department (PWD) has crafted a preliminary design for the Judicial City, which will include three multi-storey towers spanning over 12 lakh square feet. This complex will encompass 61 court halls, the registrar's office, an auditorium, administrative and library blocks, an arbitration centre, a recruitment cell, an information centre, and chambers for advocates, including the Advocate General’s office.
Additionally, the plans incorporate parking facilities and rainwater harvesting systems.
The Cabinet's endorsement comes after discussions held at 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, assessed the HMT-owned site in Kalamassery, considered optimal for the new Judicial City because of its connectivity.
Kalamassery is well-connected to multiple national highways, the Seaport-Airport Road, and the Kochi Metro Rail, and notably, it is the constituency of Minister Rajeev.
This initiative arises in response to long-standing issues surrounding the current High Court building in central Kochi, which experiences severe waterlogging, limited parking options, and close proximity to the ecologically sensitive Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary.
Nevertheless, the proposal has faced strong opposition from the Kerala High Court Advocates' Association (KHCAA), which has persistently raised concerns regarding the relocation of the High Court from the city of Kochi.
The Home Department has been tasked with initiating the implementation of the project, which is anticipated to transform judicial infrastructure in Kerala while addressing the spatial and environmental challenges posed by the existing High Court building.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the transformative potential of the Kerala Cabinet's approval for the new Judicial City in Kalamassery. While the project promises to modernize judicial infrastructure and alleviate pressing issues, it also faces significant opposition. A balanced approach is needed to ensure that the critical voices of stakeholders are addressed as the project moves forward, maintaining a focus on enhancing public trust and accessibility in the judicial system.
NationPress
24/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the new Judicial City in Kalamassery?
The new Judicial City aims to modernize Kerala's judicial infrastructure by providing a state-of-the-art facility that addresses the limitations of the existing High Court building.
How much will the Judicial City project cost?
The estimated cost of the Judicial City project is over Rs 1,000 crore.
What features will the new Judicial City include?
The Judicial City will feature three multi-storeyed towers housing 61 court halls, administrative offices, an auditorium, and facilities for advocates, among other amenities.
Why is the new site deemed ideal for the Judicial City?
The site in Kalamassery is considered ideal due to its excellent connectivity to national highways, the Seaport-Airport Road, and the Kochi Metro Rail.
What concerns have been raised regarding the relocation?
The Kerala High Court Advocates' Association has voiced strong opposition to the relocation, citing the importance of keeping the High Court within Kochi city.
