SC Directive on Mysuru’s Devaraja Market, Lansdowne Building Welcomed by MP

rapid Summary

• Supreme Court directed IIT Roorkee to evaluate preservation options for Mysuru’s Devaraja market and Lansdowne Building as heritage structures.
• Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, an MP and royal family scion, welcomed the directive via Instagram.
• IIT Roorkee is tasked with forming an expert committee to assess the buildings’ status and potential for preservation. A sealed report is due within eight weeks from September 2, 2025.
• Mysuru City Corporation was instructed to deposit ₹5 lakh toward expenses related to inspection and report preparation.
• INTACH had previously reported that the buildings could be preserved with repairs or retrofitting, prompting further evaluation by IIT roorkee.
• Karnataka government argued for demolishing and reconstructing the structures with a heritage look but acknowledged its jurisdiction over decision-making in such cases.
• Traders from Devaraja Market welcomed the initiative, calling it essential for preserving local heritage.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The Supreme court’s directive marks a significant step in balancing urban development with cultural preservation in India. The inclusion of INTACH reports and expert evaluation by IIT Roorkee ensures technical rigor while addressing public concerns about losing historic landmarks. These structures embody mysuru’s architectural legacy, making their fate pivotal for maintaining cultural identity. While Karnataka state government emphasizes primacy over decisions affecting local properties, prioritizing restoration aligns closely with community interest and historical value.This case also highlights how judicial intervention can encourage participation from diverse stakeholders-including academia (IIT),cultural institutions (INTACH),traders’ associations,governance bodies-and direct attention toward preserving India’s living heritage responsibly.Read more: Link