KOCHI: The move to shift the High Court from Ernakulam city centre to Kalamassery has begun. For this, 25 acres belonging HMT will be released by the government. A huge building complex will be constructed here. This is 14 km away from the present location of the High Court. The new place will be free from city congestion and traffic jams.

Last January, High Court Judge Justice A Muhammad Mushtaq, then Chief Secretary VP Joy, Law Secretary, District Collector and Registrar General P Krishnakumar had visited the place. Yesterday, Chief Justice Ashish J Desai visited the Chief Minister in Thiruvananthapuram and discussed the matter. The Chief Minister will visit the place soon.

The central agencies had given a report that the current building on the banks of the lake is not safe. Another difficulty is lack of parking facilities. Shifting the district court to the new complex is also under consideration.

Weakness in the present building

The eight-storey building built in 2007 has significant structural weakness

Repairs were done when cracks appear on wall and pillar

The problem is that there is not enough space for ancillary offices

For development, 17.3 acres of housing board was not given up

Judicial City

High Court building with three floors

Official residences of judges will also be here

Advocate General's office, judicial academy

Court offices, advocates' chamber complex