The District Committee, chaired by the Collector, fixed November 9, 2025 as the tentative date for the demolition of the twin towers. | Photo credit: THULASI KAKKAT
The impasse over the demolition of the twin Chander Kunj Army Apartments continues into the New Year as they are yet to be handed over to the Kanayannur Tahsildar nearly five months after the Kerala High Court verdict. This delay threatens to derail the entire demolition and reconstruction timeline.
In August, the court heard an appeal filed by the association and several owners against a February 3 judgment of the Single Bench of the Kerala High Court ordering demolition and reconstruction due to serious structural problems, along with several related review petitions.
Of the 208 apartment owners, all but Ciba George, a retired Army colonel and resident of apartment number 101 in Tower C, have vacated. Mr George continues to stay in his flat and is demanding back rent, removal fees and compensation. While he admitted that he had received ₹1.05,050,000 in his account, he said it was not clear whether the amount was meant as advance rent or the compensation he was claiming.
Mr. George has since filed a contempt of court case in the High Court against District Collector G. Priyanka, alleging that he is not complying with the court’s verdict regarding the evacuation, demolition and reconstruction of the twin towers. Meanwhile, the Chander Kunj Army Towers Flat Owners Association (CATAOA) filed a contempt petition against him for refusing to vacate his flat. The court is expected to hear both petitions next week.
CATAOA accused Mr. George of disrupting the entire project schedule as the twin towers were to be handed over to the Tahsildar for demolition once all the residents were evacuated. However, Mr George insists he will vacate the premises as soon as he is paid what is rightfully his.
The district committee headed by the Collector has set November 9, 2025 as the tentative date for the demolition of the twin houses and October 31, 2029 for handing over the newly constructed flats. It was part of an elaborate four-phase plan for demolition and reconstruction, starting with the evacuation of affected families by July 31. That evacuation deadline has since been missed.
Published – 03 Jan 2026 20:37 IST
