Why is the High Court of Kerala Located in Kochi Rather Than Trivandrum?

The High Court of Kerala is located in Kochi rather than Trivandrum for several historical and practical reasons. This article explores the factors that led to this decision and provides a detailed insight into the historical context and administrative implications.

Historical Context

The decision to locate the High Court of Kerala in Kochi can be traced back to the formation of the state in 1956. Initially, when the state of Kerala was formed by merging the princely states of Travancore and Cochin, Trivandrum was selected as the capital. However, in 1960, the High Court was relocated to Kochi. This move was driven by several considerations, both historical and practical.

Formation of Travancore-Cochin

The merger of the princely states of Travancore and Cochin in 1949 to form the United State of Travancore-Cochin led to the inauguration of the High Court of Travancore-Cochin at Ernakulam. When the state re-organisation act took effect on 1st November 1956, Travancore-Cochin and Malabar were integrated to form the State of Kerala. It is believed that the agreement to place the judiciary in Kochi was a compensation measure to balance the administrative and legislative powers in Trivandrum.

Accessibility and Transportation

Kochi's strategic location and better transportation links make it more accessible for people from different parts of the state. The high court's presence in Kochi enables easier access to justice for a wider population. This is particularly important in a state with a large and diverse population spread across different regions.

Administrative Reasons

Kochi has emerged as a major commercial and administrative hub in Kerala. Its importance as a center for business and governance aligns well with the needs of the high court. Meetings, hearings, and other judicial activities benefit from having a central location with good connectivity and infrastructure.

Infrastructure Development

Kochi has undergone significant infrastructure development over the years. The city has modernized its transportation, communication, and judicial facilities to meet the needs of a high court. This robust infrastructure ensures that the high court can function efficiently and effectively, providing essential legal services to the people of Kerala.

Other Examples

The location of high courts in other regions of India often follows similar patterns. For example, Dadra and Nagar Haveli has the Bombay High Court, Daman and Diu has the Bombay High Court, and Goa has the Bombay High Court. Similarly, several other states have their high courts located in urban centers rather than the state capital. This model is not exclusive to Kerala.

Current Trends and Future Plans

The Kerala government is currently considering the establishment of a new high court bench at Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital. However, the decision is still pending. This reflects a growing trend of diversifying judicial facilities to bring legal services closer to the people, while also acknowledging the historical and practical reasons that led to the current location in Kochi.

Conclusion

The decision to locate the High Court of Kerala in Kochi reflects a combination of historical evolution, logistical considerations, and the city's significance within the state. While the seat of the High Court is not in the state capital, this arrangement ensures equitable access to justice and aligns with the administrative and commercial needs of Kerala.