High Court Flags Run-Down State Of Heritage Kerala Varma College, Asks Devaswom Board To Engage Expert To Preserve Architecture

The Kerala High Court recently flagged the present run-down condition of the Sree Kerala Varma College in Thrissur, which was the erstwhile Merry Lodge palace donated by the Maharaja of Cochin, Sri Kerala Varma XV (Aikya Keralam Thampuran).The Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar, after noting the need of expertise to preserve the historical building's architectural features, directed the Cochin Devaswom Board (CBD) to appoint one.A detailed interim order was passed:“In view of the heritage nature and immense historical significance of the building, any repair work must necessarily conform to heritage conservation principles, structural sensitivity and public accountability… In a structure of this nature, any restoration must adopt minimal intervention, ensure material compatibility, preserve the authenticity of the building, and be grounded in proper documentation and transparency. In the present case, there has been no structural condition assessment to determine the extent of damage, no architectural documentation, and the estimates prepared are grossly vague. In these circumstances, we direct the Cochin Devaswom Board to engage a qualified Architect, or to utilise the expertise of the Maramath Wing, to prepare a preliminary structural and architectural condition assessment forthwith.”The Bench was considering a petition based on the Ombudsman's report wherein approval was sought for an estimate for the repair of the Main Block of the college. The College Principal had notified the CBD of the structural defects, which were causing danger to the students and staff. During the course of the hearing of the case, the Court had directed the Executive Engineer of the Devaswom Board's Maramath Wing (Engineering Wing) to appear before it and to produce photographs of its present condition, detailed plans, and sketches for the main block's repair.Pursuing the same, the Court flagged its present dilapidated condition and remarked:“the photographs placed before us of the Main Block, Physical Education Block, Merry Lodge Palace, Hostel Block and Botany Block reveal a shocking state of neglect, deterioration and structural degeneration. What is even more astonishing is that the College website continues to display images of these buildings in their original glory, bearing no resemblance to their present, dilapidated condition. The state of the Main Block, in particular, is pitiable, if not alarming.”It also criticized the Devaswom Board, which is entrusted with the historical building's upkeep:“We are unable to comprehend how the Cochin Devaswom Board, which is entrusted with the administration and upkeep of this historic institution of higher learning, has permitted matters to deteriorate to such an extent. The Board appears to have exhibited a disturbing indifference both to the structural integrity of the buildings and to the preservation of their heritage character. The Merry Lodge Palace, the Hostel Block, the Botany Section, and several other structures do not appear to have received even the most basic maintenance, including a fresh coat of paint, in the recent past. The neglect is evident on the face of the record and stands wholly at odds with the legacy and historical importance of the institution.”The Principal had reported to the Board that there was termite infestation, peeling plasters, and the unsanitary condition of the bathrooms. The estimate for the repair works was close to 20 lakhs. However, the Board and the Maramath Wing had opted to do a truss work and prepared an estimate without specifications regarding the products to be used.This was strongly deprecated by the Bench and reminded the Maramath Wing of its solemn responsibility to carry out the with the work with professionalism. It also directed the Wing to place a detailed report within 4 weeks.The case is posted on January 7, 2026.Case No: DBP No. 67 of 2025Case Title: The Cochin Devaswom Board v. Senior Deputy DirectorCounsel for the respondent: S. Rajmohan – Sr. Government PleaderAmicus Curiae for Ombudsman: P. RamachandranClick to Read/Download Order

High Court Flags Run-Down State Of Heritage Kerala Varma College, Asks Devaswom Board To Engage Expert To Preserve Architecture

K. Salma Jennath

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