Kerala High Court Slams Devaswom Board for 'Shocking Neglect' of Historic College, Orders Scientific Restoration Plan

Thrissur, Kerala – The Kerala High Court has delivered a scathing indictment of the Cochin Devaswom Board (CDB) for its "disturbing indifference" towards the preservation of the historic Sree Kerala Varma College, describing the condition of its heritage buildings as a "shocking state of neglect, deterioration and structural degeneration."

In a suo motu proceeding, a Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar rejected the Board's "wholly inadequate" and "technically unsafe" proposal to repair the college's Main Block. The court has mandated a comprehensive, scientific approach to the restoration, setting a strong precedent for the upkeep of public heritage structures.

Background: A Cry for Help Ignored

The matter came before the court after the CDB sought approval for an estimate to repair the Main Block (H Block) of the college, where over 500 students attend classes. The court noted that the Principal had sent urgent communications as early as December 2024, warning the Board that the buildings were in a "dangerous condition."

The Principal's reports detailed leaking roofs, termite-infested rafters falling on students, crumbling plaster, and unsanitary bathrooms, concluding that the "safety of the students and the staff were at peril." The proposed solution, estimated at ₹19.8 lakhs, involved replacing damaged wooden rafters with GI sections and entrusting the work to the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA).

Court's Dismay at the State of a Legacy Institution

The Bench expressed its "deep concern and dismay" after reviewing photographs of the college buildings. The court took judicial notice of the institution's illustrious history, founded in 1947 through the "extraordinary generosity" of the then Maharaja of Cochin, Sri Kerala Varma XV, who donated the Merry Lodge Palace and substantial funds for its establishment.

The court observed that the current dilapidated state of the buildings, including the heritage Merry Lodge Palace, stands in stark contrast to their historical significance.

> "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 neglect is evident on the face of the record and stands wholly at odds with the legacy and historical importance of the institution."

A Flawed and Unscientific Approach

The court dismantled the Board's repair proposal, criticizing the estimate prepared by its engineering division, the Maramath Wing, as "grossly vague" and devoid of essential technical details.

Key criticisms included:

- Lack of Specifications: The estimate failed to specify the grade of steel, quality of materials, or labour components.

- Inappropriate Execution: Entrusting a technically demanding heritage restoration to a "non-technical body such as the PTA" was deemed improper and could lead to "irreversible damage."

- Structural Risks: The proposed use of incompatible materials like GI tubes with wooden rafters was flagged as a potential cause of structural failure.

- Lack of Accountability: The court warned that such a vague process "would inevitably lead to inflated costs, substitution of inferior materials and pilferage."

The Court's Mandate: A Blueprint for Heritage Restoration

Finding the Board's approach a "gross violation of established engineering and public-works protocols," the High Court quashed the proposal and laid down a strict, non-negotiable procedure for the restoration.

The Cochin Devaswom Board has been directed to:

1. Engage Experts: Immediately engage a qualified Architect and a Structural Engineer.

2. Conduct a Structural Audit: Carry out a comprehensive assessment to map deterioration, check the condition of the roof and rafters, and assess termite damage. 3. Prepare Detailed Documentation: Create proper architectural plans and a detailed Bill of Quantities.

4. Prioritize Heritage: Ensure the restoration plan maintains the "structural authenticity and heritage character" of the building, using compatible materials and conservation techniques.

5. Ensure Competent Execution: Tender the work only to a contractor skilled in restoring heritage structures.

The court strongly deprecated the practice of preparing "vague and unscientific abstract estimates" and directed the Maramath Wing to act with greater diligence and professional responsibility in the future. The Board must submit a comprehensive report detailing its compliance with these directions within four weeks.