Key facts
- In September 2025 the Kerala Cabinet gave in-principle approval for a Judicial City at Kalamassery on 27 acres of land owned by HMT Ltd, at an estimated cost of over ₹1,000 crore.
- The PWD’s preliminary design shows three towers – one of seven floors and two of six – with over 12 lakh sq ft of space and 61 court halls.
- The Judicial City is intended to house the High Court of Kerala, which currently sits in Ernakulam next to the Mangalavanam bird sanctuary.
- The Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association opposed the relocation in December 2025 and said it would approach the Supreme Court.
- As of October 2026 we found no confirmed start of construction; check current news before relying on any timeline.
The short version
- What – a new High Court campus with court halls, offices, an arbitration centre, library and advocates’ chambers, branded the Judicial City.
- Where – on 27 acres of HMT Ltd land in Kalamassery, in the HMT area off HMT Road.
- Cost – estimated at over ₹1,000 crore.
- Status – in-principle Cabinet approval (September 2025), with the Home Department asked to start preliminary steps and explore central assistance. Not yet built.
Why a new court campus?
The High Court of Kerala sits in Ernakulam, beside the Mangalavanam bird sanctuary. Reports on the decision say the court had flagged a serious shortage of space, and that expanding the present site was hard because of land acquisition and the ecologically sensitive sanctuary next door. The idea came out of the 2023 annual meeting between the Chief Minister and the Chief Justice; the Cabinet approved it in principle in September 2025.
What the design shows
| Feature | Reported plan |
|---|---|
| Built-up area | Over 12 lakh sq ft |
| Buildings | Three towers: one of seven floors, two of six |
| Court halls | 61, including the Chief Justice’s court |
| Other blocks | Registrar’s office, auditorium, administration, library, arbitration centre, recruitment cell, information centre |
| Also planned | Advocate General’s office, advocates’ chambers, parking, rainwater harvesting |
The Public Works Department prepared this preliminary design; details can change as the project is taken forward.
The objections
Not everyone agrees. After its general body meeting in November 2025, the Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association wrote to the Chief Justice opposing the move. According to Verdictum’s report, it argued that the present building is less than 20 years old, that relocating would waste public money, that the Bar had been left out of discussions, and that real-estate interests were involved. It resolved to approach the Supreme Court. Whether the project goes ahead, and when, may depend on how this plays out.
What it would mean for Kalamassery
The site is part of the same block of former HMT land that already holds the medical college, NUALS and the Adani logistics site, and that the Seaport–Airport Road is planned to cross. If built, the court would bring judges, staff, lawyers, clerks and litigants to North Kalamassery every working day – more buses, more food businesses and more demand for rooms. It would also pair naturally with NUALS, the national law university nearby.
For now the High Court is still in Ernakulam. Junior lawyers and clerks commute there – see living in Kalamassery as a junior lawyer.
What to watch for next
Big Kerala projects move through recognisable steps. If you are following this one – as a lawyer, a student or someone thinking about property nearby – these are the milestones that show real progress:
- Formal transfer of the 27 acres from HMT Ltd to the state.
- Administrative and financial sanction, and any central funding decision.
- A detailed design and tender, followed by a foundation stone.
- Any Supreme Court or High Court proceedings on the relocation itself.
Until those happen, be wary of anyone selling land or rooms “next to the new High Court”. The rent, advance and agreements guide is worth reading before paying any deposit.
For law students and junior advocates looking for a room
Ashraf Gents Hostel is a men-only hostel and PG on NAD Road, at the signal in Kalamassery. Its public profile lists NUALS and the Medical College among places within about 3 km, and the HMT area is close by. Today it suits NUALS students and juniors who commute to the High Court by metro or train; if the Judicial City is built, the court would come much closer.
Photos show twin-sharing rooms with cots and mattresses and a kitchen – see the gallery. Indicative rent is about ₹2,000–3,000 per head per month, negotiable, with one month’s advance; confirm on +91 90746 23855. Our affordable stay near the High Court and Adani park page has more.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Kerala High Court moving to Kalamassery?
The state approved a Judicial City at Kalamassery in principle in September 2025, intended to house the High Court. It has not moved, and the plan is opposed by the High Court Advocates’ Association.
Where exactly is the Judicial City planned?
On 27 acres of land owned by HMT Ltd in Kalamassery, in the HMT area of the town.
How much will the Judicial City cost?
Reports put the estimated cost at over ₹1,000 crore.
When will it be built?
No firm timeline has been announced that we could confirm. Check current news.
Related guides
Sources
- Onmanorama: Kerala govt gives nod to ₹1,000 cr judicial city in Kalamassery (Sept 2025)
- Bar & Bench: Kalamassery Judicial City, new Kerala High Court building proposal get Cabinet nod
- Verdictum: KHCAA letter to Chief Justice on shifting High Court to Kalamassery (Dec 2025)
- LiveLaw: Kerala Cabinet gives nod for Judicial City, new High Court building in Kalamassery
Facts about Ashraf Gents Hostel come from the hostel’s own profile and photos; rates are indicative and confirmed on the call. Last reviewed . How we write these guides: editorial notes. Map embeds © Google.