PIL: Are pavements for transformers?

The Karnataka high court on Monday asked Janaagraha, a Bangalore-based not-for-profit organisation, to file a consolidated report, suggesting alternatives to the installation of transformers on footpaths.

The directive was issued by the court when it took up a petition filed by Janaagraha, pointing out that in most cases, the transformers were found on the footpaths and were a threat to pedestrians.

The PIL contended that transformers on pavements had pushed pedestrians on to the roads and rendered them vulnerable to accidents. Citing a survey it had conducted in 2010, the petitioner also said that there was hardly a footpath in the city without a transformer.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice JS Khehar and justice AS Bopanna then gave Janaagraha two weeks’ time to suggest alternatives to address the issue.