Mangaluru’s 145-year-old historic court building to be demolished for new complex

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jul 29, 2026: Mangaluru’s 145-year-old historic court building, a landmark that has witnessed judicial proceedings for nearly a century and a half, will soon be demolished to make way for a new court complex (A-Block).

The heritage structure, built in 1881, functioned as the District and Sessions Court until the present court complex became operational in 2014. Authorities have decided to replace the ageing building with a modern five-storey judicial complex, citing the need for additional space to meet growing infrastructure requirements.

A witness to judicial history

The colonial-era building has long been regarded as one of the city’s most significant judicial landmarks. It featured a traditional courtroom with a judge’s bench, Latin inscriptions above the dais, high ceilings and large vintage fans that reflected its architectural heritage.

Over the decades, the courthouse handled several landmark criminal trials, including proceedings in the case involving notorious serial killer Rippon Chandran.

Many senior advocates had hoped the structure would be preserved as a heritage building. Currently, portions of the premises are used as a record room and a hall for official functions.

₹60.02 crore project

The Public Works Department (PWD) has issued the work order for constructing a five-storey court building at an estimated cost of ₹60.02 crore. The project is expected to be completed within two years.

Heritage features may be preserved

Although the existing structure will be demolished, members of the legal fraternity have appealed to authorities to preserve its historical identity.

Dakshina Kannada District Advocates’ Association President Jagadish Shenava and former president H.V. Raghavendra have proposed that the building’s distinctive architectural features, Latin inscriptions and other heritage elements be carefully dismantled and incorporated into the fifth floor of the new court complex, allowing the legacy of the historic courthouse to be retained for future generations.