The Supreme Court has directed the Karnataka government to renovate and restore the Devaraj Urs Market and the Lansdowne Building in Bengaluru, recognizing their historical and architectural significance. The court was hearing a petition concerning the proposed demolition and redevelopment of these structures.
The core issue revolved around a 2019 government order authorizing demolition for a commercial redevelopment project. Petitioners argued this would destroy heritage buildings. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) initially planned a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for redevelopment.
The Supreme Court stayed the demolition in 2021 and formed a committee led by a former High Court judge to assess the buildings’ condition and propose a restoration plan. The committee submitted its report recommending comprehensive restoration, emphasizing the buildings’ heritage value.
The court acknowledged the buildings’ importance as landmarks reflecting Bengaluru’s history and architectural style. It noted the Devaraj Urs Market, built in 1935, is a vital trading hub, and the Lansdowne Building, constructed in 1903, showcases colonial architecture.
The court mandated that the restoration must be undertaken without displacing existing traders in the Devaraj Urs Market. It directed the BBMP to rehabilitate traders temporarily during the restoration process and ensure their return to the renovated market.
The BBMP is to fund the restoration, and the court has requested a detailed timeline for completion within three months. The restoration plan must adhere to heritage conservation principles and be overseen by the committee. The court emphasized preserving the buildings’ original character and features while ensuring structural stability and functionality. The direction aims to balance modernization with heritage preservation, safeguarding Bengaluru’s cultural identity.
