Key facts
- The idea was approved in principle at the annual Chief Minister–Chief Justice meeting on 9 November 2023, citing lack of space at the existing High Court complex.
- The State Cabinet approved the Judicial City at Kalamassery in September 2025, on 27 acres owned by HMT, at an estimated cost of over ₹1,000 crore.
- The 2025 preliminary design described three towers with about 12 lakh sq ft and 61 court halls; a 2024 concept had spoken of 60 courts in 28 lakh sq ft.
- On 26 November 2025 the Supreme Court issued notice on Kerala’s application to take possession of the 27 acres, which have been under a status-quo order since 2016.
- The Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association has opposed the move since 2024 and said in December 2025 it would contest the land application in the Supreme Court.
Is the Kerala High Court moving to Kalamassery?
Not yet, and not certainly. The proposal for a Judicial City in Kalamassery — a new High Court complex with courts, offices, a judicial academy and chambers — has government approval, a preliminary design and a site. What it does not yet have, in the reports we could find up to October 2026, is clear legal possession of that site or a start to construction. This page sets out what happened when, so that you can read new headlines in context. For a description of what is planned, see Kerala Judicial City at Kalamassery explained.
The timeline
| Date | What happened | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 9 November 2023 | Annual CM–Chief Justice meeting approves the idea of a new complex, proposed by the High Court because of space shortage | Onmanorama |
| February 2024 | High-level meeting chaired by the CM with Chief Justice A. J. Desai; 27 acres of HMT land at Kalamassery chosen; site inspection by judges and ministers set for 17 February | Onmanorama |
| February 2024 | KHCAA president says the High Court ‘is not shifting’ without the Bar’s approval, citing cost and the age of the current building | Verdictum |
| September 2025 | State Cabinet approves the Judicial City at Kalamassery: 27 acres of HMT land, over ₹1,000 crore | Bar & Bench |
| 26 November 2025 | Kerala asks the Supreme Court to modify a 2016 status-quo order so it can take possession of the 27 acres, depositing compensation; notice issued to HMT | Onmanorama, LiveLaw |
| November–December 2025 | KHCAA resolves to intervene; writes to the Chief Justice listing objections | Bar & Bench, Verdictum |
| 2026 (to October) | We found no report of the status quo being lifted or construction starting | — |
Why the land is the sticking point
The 27 acres are what is left of HMT’s once vast Kalamassery holding. According to Onmanorama, the company acquired a large tract in the 1960s; of about 100 acres it kept after a 2000 notification, 70 acres were sold to private developers — the land now being built on as the Adani Logistics Park — and 3 acres went to the NIA.
A 2014 Kerala High Court judgment held that the land could not be subjected to ceiling proceedings under the Kerala Land Reforms Act. HMT appealed; in 2016 the Supreme Court issued notice and ordered status quo, and that order still governs the land. The state’s November 2025 application asks to take the land on deposit of compensation calculated from a 2014 valuation, with the final amount depending on the outcome of the appeal. The court has granted similar arrangements before, including for the Seaport–Airport Road, Onmanorama noted.
The two sides of the argument
For the move
- The existing complex, on about 11 acres, is described as congested; the state projects a need for far more built space.
- A large single site allows courts, offices, an academy, staff quarters and parking together.
- Kalamassery is on the metro and NH 544 and close to the airport road.
Against the move
- The KHCAA says the plan lacks Full Court backing and that the Bar was not consulted.
- It argues the current building is under 20 years old and that money is better spent on district courts.
- It questions the state’s finances and points to recent works at the existing site that would be wasted.
What it would mean for Kalamassery
If the Judicial City is built, thousands of daily trips — by lawyers, clerks, court staff, police and litigants — would shift from Marine Drive to the HMT area. That would raise demand for rooms, food and transport around HMT Junction, NAD Road and HMT Colony, bring the court closer to NUALS, and put more pressure on roads already expecting traffic from the Adani park and the Seaport–Airport Road link. Our companion page, living near the planned Judicial City, looks at this in practical, hedged terms.
Be sceptical of property advertisements that treat the move as certain. On present evidence, the timing is unknown.
For lawyers and clerks today: Ashraf Gents Hostel
Until anything changes, High Court work means commuting to Ernakulam, which from Kalamassery metro station is a straightforward ride. Junior advocates and clerks who live in Kalamassery would simply have a shorter trip if the court ever moved. Ashraf Gents Hostel is a men-only hostel/PG at Ashraf house, NAD Road, at the signal in Kalamassery, with an indicative rate of about ₹2,000–3,000 per head per month, negotiable, one month’s advance — confirmed on +91 90746 23855. Read junior lawyers and clerks at the High Court and see the photos.
Frequently asked questions
Has the Kerala High Court shifted to Kalamassery?
No. As of the reports we found up to October 2026, it still sits near Marine Drive, Ernakulam, and construction of the Judicial City had not started.
Where is the Judicial City Kalamassery site?
On 27 acres of HMT-held land at Kalamassery, the remainder of HMT’s holding after 70 acres were sold to private developers.
Why is the Supreme Court involved?
The land is the subject of a pending appeal, and a 2016 Supreme Court status-quo order applies. The state has asked the court to let it take possession.
How big will the new High Court complex be?
The 2025 preliminary design described three towers of about 12 lakh sq ft with 61 court halls, at an estimated cost over ₹1,000 crore.
Who opposes the move?
The Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association, which argues the plan lacks Full Court backing and wastes public money.
Related guides
Sources
- Onmanorama: Kalamassery Judicial City — plans for new HC building with 60 courts (Feb 2024)
- Bar & Bench: Kalamassery Judicial City gets Cabinet nod (Sept 2025)
- Onmanorama: Kerala approaches SC for HMT land (Nov 2025)
- LiveLaw: Kerala Govt approaches Supreme Court seeking permission to use HMT land
- Verdictum: KHCAA letter to Chief Justice listing objections (Dec 2025)
- Verdictum: KHCAA president objects to proposal (Feb 2024)
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.