HC orders status quo on BBMP demolition

The Karnataka High Court on Thursday ordered a status quo (stay) on demolition of illegal buildings on the Raja Kaluva (storm water drain) in the city.

Former mayor of the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), PR Ramesh, filed the petition alleging that the BBMP had begun large-scale demolition rendering several residents homeless. Challenging the provisions of Section 288-D of the Karnataka Municipal Corporation Act, 1976, which allows the commissioner to remove encroachments blocking drains without notice, the petitioner contended that even as the demolition drive was on, construction too continued after the license was obtained.

He contended that BBMP officials too were responsible for the present state of affairs, and that the demolition drive had been taken up without an examination of possible alternate action. The petitioner held that demolitions ruined  several residents financially.

Since 2007, demolition of the Raja Kaluve has been mired in litigation. On November 16, writ petitions filed by some residents were dismissed at the admission stage. Petitioners were asked to approach a civil court, and demolitions were stayed for 15 days.