From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jan 22: Karnataka High Court on Wednesday restrained authorities from evicting or disturbing those living sheds in survey number 35/2 of Kariyammana Agrahara, Bellandur, behind Mantri Espana apartments, and in Devarabeesanahalli and Kundalahalli, all areas situated in Ward number 151.

However, the High Court made it clear that as the land in question is a private land and the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) can take action for removal illegal structures put up on the land as per the provisions of the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka and Justice Hemant Chandangoudar passed the interim order on a PIL petition filed by People’s Union for Civil Liberties-Karnataka.

Curiously, the counsel for the State Government said that the police had merely sent a team to the spot based a letter written by the BBMP seeking police protection for evicting illegal sheds.

But the Counsel for the BBMP said that demolitions were not carried out by the BBMP.

Even as these contradictory statements were being made, the Division Bench of the High Court directed the City Police Commissioner to conduct an inquiry to find out the agency that had carried out the eviction and demolition process if the police have no information on this aspect.