PIL: BMP cites glass house analogy against petitioners

PIL: BMP cites glass house analogy against petitioners
Deccan Herald

The Bangalore Mahanagara Palike on Friday alleged that some of the nine petitioners, who have filed public interest litigation against buildings put up in violation of norms in Koramangala area, have themselves put up constructions in violation of the sanctioned plan.

BMP Counsel K N Putte Gowda made this submission before the bench comprising Chief Justice Nauvdip Kumar Sodhi and Justice N Kumar during the hearing on the PIL. “Some of the petitioners have not come with clean hands to the court and those who are staying in the glass house should not throw stones at others”, Mr Gowda said. However, the counsel did not disclose the names. Following this allegation, the bench asked the BMP commissioner to clear constructions put up by such petitioners in violation of building bylaws on the lines of the action being taken against other property owners who have violated the norms. “Let the cleaning process begin from the petitioners”, the court observed.

Withdrawal sought

Meanwhile, eminent cardiac surgeon Dr Devi Shetty and one Mr Suresh L Patil, who are among the nine petitioners, wanted to withdraw their names from the PIL.

Senior counsel S S Naganand, who is appearing on behalf of all the petitioners, sought court’s permission to delete the names of these two petitioners. Replying to court’s query, Mr Naganand said that Dr Shetty is unable to concentrate on the issue due to his busy hospital schedule. “Moreover Dr Shetty’s name is appearing in the newspapers whenever the court deals with the PIL and he doesn’t want unnecessary publicity”, said the senior counsel.

However, the bench said that Dr Shetty and other petitioners would be models for others to raise voice against illegalities.

The judges said that let them (Dr Shetty and Mr Patil) remain as petitioners for the time being and the court would consider their request at a later stage.