Chief Justice P.S. Dinesh Kumar calls for closing the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) amid a prolonged case of illegal land acquisition, highlighting the need for reform in the city’s urban development.
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Chief Justice P.S. Dinesh Kumar of the Karnataka High Court has voiced a strong opinion regarding the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA). He suggested-
“It is time that the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) should be closed down by an Ordinance.”
This remark came during a hearing related to a two-decade-long case of non-payment of compensation for land acquired illegally by the BDA.
The case in question involves Muddegowda, a 60-year-old resident of Muddayyanapalya, whose land was taken over by the BDA in 2003 for the development of the Sir M. Visvesvaraya Layout. This acquisition was made without any formal process, leading Muddegowda into prolonged litigation. Despite challenging a civil court’s order in 2015, which dismissed his claims due to insufficient evidence of encroachment, Muddegowda’s struggle for justice has been arduous and lengthy.
The appeal, which has been heard over 52 times in nearly nine years, highlights the BDA’s admission of using Muddegowda’s land but failing to provide adequate compensation. The authority’s proposal to offer alternative sites in Kempegowda Layout instead of the demanded Visvesvaraya Layout or monetary compensation with interest has been a point of contention.
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During a recent hearing, the court expressed its frustration with the BDA’s handling of the situation, especially after learning that a survey to ascertain the land’s details was yet to be conducted.
The bench, comprising Chief Justice Kumar and Justice T.G. Shivashankare Gowda, demanded the personal appearance of BDA Commissioner N. Jayaram. The justices questioned the rationale behind making a landowner wait for over two decades for compensation, warning of severe orders if the BDA failed to deposit the owed money.
The High Court’s evaluation extended beyond the particulars of this case, delving into the broader inefficiencies and hurdles within the BDA. Chief Justice Kumar suggested Commissioner Jayaram undertake a covert visit to the BDA office to witness firsthand the operational chaos.
He underscored the challenges faced by citizens and the prevalence of middlemen, proposing that a change in approach could garner public goodwill and appreciation for the BDA.
The Chief Justice’s remarks emphasize the urgent need for BDA reform to restore public trust and justice for individuals like Muddegowda. The call for an ordinance to close down the BDA marks a critical moment in its history, potentially bringing significant changes to Bangalore’s urban development.
