The Kerala High Court has ordered the demolition and reconstruction of two residential towers housing Army personnel in Vyttila, Kochi, citing serious safety concerns. The court directed the Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO) to raze Towers B and C of Chander Kunj Army Towers following a petition filed by residents and the apartment owners’ association of Silver Sand Island against AWHO.
The petitioners alleged that the buildings suffered from structural instability, seepage, and water leakage due to poor construction quality. Inspection reports revealed that there was no proper quality control during construction, with no documentation of mandatory material tests for steel, cement, and aggregates. Residents argued that they had invested their hard-earned money in the flats and held AWHO responsible for the compromised construction quality.
Justice Mohammed Nias CP, in his ruling, emphasised that the distress to the towers was “undeniably human-induced,” resulting in significant loss and suffering. The court deemed continued occupation a grave risk, citing violations of regulatory, structural, and environmental standards.
Considering expert reports and relevant legal provisions, including the Kerala Municipalities Act, Kerala Municipality Building Rules, and the Disaster Management Act, the court concluded that demolition and reconstruction were the only viable options to prevent casualties and protect lives.
The High Court directed the District Collector to form a committee of experts to oversee the demolition and ensure reconstruction with equal-sized facilities. AWHO has been ordered to pay residents of Towers B and C Rs. 21,000 and Rs. 23,000 per month, respectively, for alternative accommodation until reconstruction is completed. Additionally, the organization must disburse Rs 175 crores as per the committee’s recommendations.
The court also expressed concern that Army personnel were the victims of these lapses, stressing that all authorities, including military officers, must uphold the highest standards of safety and dignity for service members. “Any lapse in these standards can erode confidence, undermine morale, and create feelings of injustice among service members,” the court stated.