The State of Kerala has informed the Supreme Court that it is moving ahead with its proposal to create a full-fledged Judicial City at Kalamassery, which includes the eventual relocation of the Kerala High Court from its congested Ernakulam premises. In an application filed in Civil Appeal, the State has sought permission to take possession of 27 acres of HMT land as the first phase of the project, upon depositing compensation as per the 2014 Basic Valuation Report.

Citing acute space constraints only 11 acres housing 36 court halls for a sanctioned strength of 47 judges, the State argues that relocation is essential to address infrastructure demands, emergency evacuation concerns, parking shortages and administrative requirements. A High-Power Committee comprising senior judges and top officials has already been formed, and multiple meetings between the Chief Justice and the Chief Minister reflect in-principle approval for at least 50 acres, with a projected requirement of up to 75 acres.

However, the move has drawn opposition. The Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association (KHCAA) has submitted a formal letter objecting to the relocation, raising concerns over accessibility, potential disruption to the legal ecosystem, and the impact on thousands of practitioners and litigants who rely on the existing Ernakulam location.

The State has assured the Supreme Court that any land transfer will be without prejudice to the rights of HMT or other claimants and that compensation will be deposited in an FDR in the name of the High Court’s Registrar General as per earlier directions. Urging immediate permission to proceed, the Government has warned that further delay may cause irreparable hardship to ongoing planning and inter-departmental coordination.