Mysore/Mysuru: University of Mysore Syndicate (UoM) Member Dr. T.R. Chandrashekar has alleged that the Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion in Manasagangothri is being illegally leased out to a private organisation for 40 years, free of cost.

The Mansion, which was recently renovated at a cost of nearly Rs. 33 crore through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding and international cultural preservation initiatives, is reportedly being handed over through a unilateral decision by Vice-Chancellor Prof. N.K. Lokanath. Chandrashekar has termed the move unlawful and unacceptable.

According to him, the renovation of the heritage structure was carried out with financial support from multiple organisations, including the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), which contributed about Rs. 2.8 crore, the Harish and Bina Shah Foundation that provided around Rs. 30 crore in CSR support, and the Deccan Heritage Foundation, which partnered in conservation efforts.

Altogether, nearly Rs. 33 crore was spent to restore the Mansion to preserve public heritage and support academic use.

However, reports that the University administration is now proposing to hand over the Mansion to a private organisation on a 40-year free lease have raised concerns about public interest.

Contradicting academic interests

Chandrashekar pointed out that in January 2024, the University had publicly announced that the renovated mansion would be used for academic activities, research and museum purposes. The present proposal to lease it out to a private entity appears to contradict those assurances, he said.

Recalling the legacy of the Mansion, he noted that during the tenure of poet laureate Kuvempu as Vice-Chancellor, the building had been preserved as part of the University’s academic and cultural life. As one of Mysuru’s prominent heritage structures, he argued that its management cannot be outsourced without proper consultation.

“The matter should have been placed before the Syndicate and discussed with its members. Granting a long-term lease without consultation is not appropriate,” Chandrashekar said.

He further stated that a legal notice has been served to the Vice-Chancellor, warning against proceeding with the agreement. If the decision is not withdrawn, he said, the issue will be escalated to the Governor, Chief Minister and the Higher Education Minister and a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) will be filed before the High Court.