Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court heard a public interest litigation (PIL) on Wednesday concerning the demolition of residential structures built on government land near Kogilu Layout in Bengaluru.
The petitioners, including Zabia Tabassum and others whose homes were demolished, claimed that nearly 3,000 people had been residing in the area for about 28 years. They asserted that following demolition activities led by the Congress-led government in Wasim Layout and Fakir Layout, they were rendered homeless.
The PIL demanded rehabilitation and compensation for the affected residents. However, Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty opposed the claims, stating that the assertion of people living there for 28 years was incorrect.
He informed the court that the government would present satellite images of every illegally constructed house. Further, he argued that the Supreme Court’s ruling on rehabilitation does not apply in this case.
The Advocate General also stated that temporary arrangements have been made for the displaced residents, including provision of food and medical facilities. He requested a week’s time to file detailed objections.
Shetty added that the demolished area falls within the catchment zone of a lake, making it unsuitable for habitation. The demolition was carried out on the grounds of illegal occupation.
The court recorded the arguments and scheduled the next hearing for January 22. Meanwhile, officials have been verifying the documents submitted by the residents whose homes were demolished.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the Congress-led government of attempting to allot houses to Bangladeshi nationals. The BJP warned of legal action and protests if encroachers are provided housing.
BJP leaders claimed the land rightfully belongs to Kannadigas and vowed not to allow it to be handed over to outsiders. They were seen holding posters questioning the availability of homes for local residents while allegedly illegal immigrants were being accommodated. The posters also accused the Congress-led government of appeasement politics.
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