The territorial jurisdiction of the Kerala High Court extends to the whole of the state and Union Territory of Lakshadweep. It came into being from 1 November 1956, with its seat at Ernakulam. Before the integration of Cochin and Travancore into the state of Kerala, there was no provision for the administration of justice by independent Tribunals until the Diwanship of Col. Munro. The High Court of Travancore was established in 1887 with five Judges, one of whom was the Chief Justice with a Pandit to advise the judges on points of Hindu Law, by the illustrious sovereign Sri. Visakha Thirunal of revered memory.