MYSURU: Mysuru’s iconic heritage structure, Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion, housed at the century-old University of Mysore’s Manasagangotri campus, has landed at the centre of a major controversy, with allegations emerging that the university administration is planning to lease the property to a private entity for 40 years, reportedly without financial consideration.
Speaking to TNIE, UoM syndicate member Dr TR Chandrashekhar said the issue was discussed verbally and no official documents were circulated to members at the recent syndicate meeting. “I am issuing a cease and desist legal warning notice to the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar, questioning the legality and transparency of the proposed move,” he said.
Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion, located on the campus, is not just an architectural landmark but a symbol of the city’s rich cultural and academic legacy. Built during the reign of Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar, the palace later became part of the University of Mysore. Its historical significance is further elevated by its association with Kuvempu, who served as vice-chancellor when the building came under the university’s administrative fold.
The heritage structure was recently taken up for restoration at a cost of approximately Rs 33 crore through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and international funding support, including US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) at approximately Rs 2.8 crore, and Harish and Bina Shah Foundation with Deccan Heritage Foundation’s conservation partnership.
The restoration aimed to preserve the monument for public heritage, academic use, and cultural activities. However, the reported move to lease the property to a private organisation has raised serious concerns about the intent and legality of the decision, he said.
Chandrashekhar said that in January 2024, the university administration had stated that the restored mansion would be used for academic programmes, research activities, and as a museum space. “The current proposal, if true, contradicts those assurances,” he said.
He has urged the university to review and withdraw the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and warned of approaching the Karnataka High Court with a PIL.
Meanwhile, when TNIE contacted UoM Vice-Chancellor Prof NK Lokanath, he denied any decision taken in this regard. “It is still in discussion stage and the issue was brought up at the syndicate meeting. As we want to keep the varsity sustainable, the issue was taken up and introducing Public Private Partnership (PPP) model was discussed, but no decision has been taken so far,” he clarified.