On December 4, the Supreme Court of India intervened in a case concerning the restoration of two heritage buildings in Mysuru, Karnataka. The case was filed by veteran journalist G. Satyanarayana Gouri, who sought the restoration of the Devaraja Market building and Lansdowne Building in Mysore city.
Plea Challenging Karnataka High Court’s Order
The Special Leave Petition (SLP) challenges an order by the Karnataka High Court on August 8, 2023, which dismissed a writ petition. The petition had sought a mandate against the Karnataka authorities to prevent the demolition or reconstruction of these historic buildings for a redevelopment project. These buildings are significant, dating back to the 19th century.
Court’s Initial Observations and Clarifications
A bench of Justices Sudhandhu Dhulia and Ahsanuddin Amanullah remarked that the buildings in question were not colonial-era structures but belonged to the princely State of Mysuru. They emphasized the importance of restoring these buildings.
Initially, the bench suggested that if the buildings were beyond repair, they should be demolished. However, Senior Advocate Dr. Aditya Sondhi, representing the petitioner, pointed out that the buildings had been declared heritage structures by the Karnataka State under Section 2(1ea) of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act, 1961. Justice Dhulia responded by clarifying that while the buildings were not colonial in origin, they had a distinct Karnataka architectural style.
UNESCO Report and Court’s Concerns
Dr. Sondhi presented a UNESCO Committee report, which recommended the restoration of the buildings. However, Justice Dhulia raised concerns about the financial implications of the restoration, stating that it could be costly. He warned that even after restoration, the buildings might not last more than 30-40 years.
Justice Amanullah also expressed concerns, citing a previous repair attempt during which part of the Lansdowne Building collapsed. He suggested that further restoration may not be viable due to the risk of structural failure.
Current Condition and Usage of the Buildings
The buildings remain in active use. The Devaraja Market continues to operate as a “live” heritage structure, with merchants conducting business as usual. However, the Lansdowne Building, despite partial restoration, is experiencing further deterioration. The collapse of part of the roof of two or three shops highlighted ongoing issues with the structure’s stability.
Court’s Proposal for Private Restoration
The Court questioned whether the petitioner would be willing to bear the cost of the restoration. Justice Dhulia suggested that if the petitioner truly valued the heritage, they could secure the necessary funds and ask the government to proceed with the restoration.
Future Hearing
The Court issued notices to all parties involved and has scheduled a hearing for the first week of January 2025 to further deliberate on the matter.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. What was the primary issue addressed by the Supreme Court on December 4, 2024?
a) The construction of new heritage buildings in Mysore
b) The restoration of Devaraja Market and Lansdowne Building in Mysore
c) The demolition of the Mysore Palace
d) The redevelopment of the Karnataka High Court building
Answer: b) The restoration of Devaraja Market and Lansdowne Building in Mysore
2. Who filed the plea seeking the restoration of the heritage buildings?
a) Dr. Aditya Sondhi
b) G. Satyanarayana Gouri
c) Justice Sudhandhu Dhulia
d) Karnataka State Government
Answer: b) G. Satyanarayana Gouri
3. What was the Karnataka High Court’s decision on the writ petition filed in 2023?
a) The petition was dismissed, allowing the demolition of the buildings
b) The petition was upheld, preventing any demolition
c) The petition was referred to the Supreme Court
d) The Karnataka High Court requested further investigation
Answer: a) The petition was dismissed, allowing the demolition of the buildings
4. According to the Supreme Court, what is the architectural significance of the buildings in question?
a) They are colonial-era structures
b) They belong to the princely State of Mysuru
c) They are modern architectural marvels
d) They are state-owned buildings built in the 20th century
Answer: b) They belong to the princely State of Mysuru
5. What did the UNESCO report state about the buildings?
a) The buildings should be demolished for safety reasons
b) The buildings should be restored
c) The buildings should be converted into commercial properties
d) The buildings should be relocated
Answer: b) The buildings should be restored
6. What did Justice Dhulia say about the viability of restoring the buildings?
a) Restoration would be impossible due to financial constraints
b) Restoration would be effective, and the buildings would last for over 50 years
c) Restoration would be costly, and the buildings may only last 30-40 years after restoration
d) Restoration should not be attempted due to the buildings’ historical value
Answer: c) Restoration would be costly, and the buildings may only last 30-40 years after restoration
7. What was the current state of the Lansdowne Building after partial restoration?
a) It was fully restored and in good condition
b) It was facing further dilapidation after part of its roof collapsed
c) It was converted into a museum
d) It was being used for government offices
Answer: b) It was facing further dilapidation after part of its roof collapsed
8. When is the next hearing scheduled for this case?
a) December 15, 2024
b) January 1, 2025
c) January 2025, first week
d) March 2025
Answer: c) January 2025, first week