Wed Jun 25 19:24:19 UTC 2025: ## Kerala High Court Orders Rent Hike, Sets Demolition Date for Army Welfare Housing Towers

**KOCHI, INDIA – June 26, 2025:** The Kerala High Court has mandated a significant increase in monthly rent for residents of the Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO) Chander Kunj Army Towers in Vyttila, following a previous order for the towers’ demolition and reconstruction due to detected structural cracks.

Effective immediately, residents in Tower B will see their rent increase from ₹21,000 to ₹30,000, while those in Tower C will face a jump from ₹23,000 to ₹35,000. The court issued this directive while considering review petitions filed by the residents, acknowledging the need for alternative housing during the estimated four-year reconstruction period.

The rent increase applies only to current occupants and does not affect vacant apartments or those currently rented out by owners. The AWHO is responsible for covering the full costs of the demolition and reconstruction.

A committee, headed by the District Collector, is overseeing the project. This committee has tentatively scheduled the demolition of the twin towers for November 9, 2025, and anticipates the handover of newly constructed apartments by October 31, 2029. This timeline is part of a comprehensive four-phase plan that includes evacuating families by July 31st.

The court emphasized that the Collector’s timeline, outlined in his May 21st affidavit, must be strictly followed.

Of the 264 apartment owners, 82 have expressed their intention to return and buy back their units. The District Collector-led committee will determine the revised value of these apartments.

Prior to the November 9th demolition, the structures will undergo two months of preparation beginning September 1st. Affected families will receive a three-week notice before evacuation. The AWHO was previously instructed to provide three months’ rent in advance, based on apartment size, along with a ₹30,000 shifting allowance to each family.

The District Collector-led committee comprises representatives from AWHO, the residents’ association, experts, and officials involved in the demolition and reconstruction, adhering to the High Court’s February 3, 2025, order.

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