The 143-year-old British-era building housing St Xavier’s High School
Cuttack: Orissa high court has expressed serious concern over the condition of a British-era building on Mission Road in Cuttack, currently housing St Xavier’s High School since January.A division bench comprising Justices K R Mohapatra and V Narasingh raised the issue after examining a report submitted by the Cuttack district administration on April 16, following earlier directions to inspect safety conditions of all schools in the city.“The report reveals a shocking state of affairs,” the bench observed, noting that 48 schools had been inspected so far. It specifically flagged the condition of St Xavier’s High School on Mission Road, Buxi Bazar, stating that the institution is functioning in an “almost dilapidated building” without a structural stability report.The court recorded the assurance of additional district magistrate (ADM) Kamaljit Dash that necessary steps would be taken to ensure the safety of students, teaching and non-teaching staff. “If required, alternative arrangements will be made in consultation with the school management,” the ADM assured. Taking note of it, the bench directed authorities to submit an action-taken report by May 4. The matter will be heard next on May 7.
The building, a 143-year-old structure and an example of Indo-European architecture, has long been a subject of concern. Constructed in 1883 by civil surgeon Dr W D Stewart as a residence, it was later donated to the Baptist Mission in 1887 for educational purposes and became Christ Collegiate School in 1950.Official records indicate that as early as Feb 20, 2016, public works department had warned that the structure was in a dangerously dilapidated condition and could collapse at any time.
The school was subsequently shifted to a nearby facility in 2019.Despite this, the building was reopened after purported repairs and St Xavier’s High School began functioning there from Jan 23, 2026.The issue of preservation versus safety has also been in focus. In 2019, a PIL filed by lawyer Shivsankar Mohanty sought declaration of the structure as a heritage building under the Orissa Municipal Corporation Act, citing its architectural and historical significance. The high court had then directed the civic body to act on the plea.
