HC asks for report on footpath clearance

HC asks for report on footpath clearance

Odeal D'Souza. Bangalore



The High Court of Karnataka on Wednesday directed BBMP Commissioner Bharat Lal Meena to file an affidavit by January 13 regarding the clearing of illegal constructions on the footpath of Cockburn Road, opposite Shivajinagar police station.
On November 27 last, the high court had directed the BBMP to demolish the illegal constructions, while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by city-advocate AV Amaranath.
The petitioner had contended that the BBMP had, in 2008, laid the foundation for the construction of 50 petty shops on the footpath of Cockburn Road in Shivajinagar. He stated that because of the illegal construction, it was difficult for pedestrians to use the footpath freely. The petitioner argued that the BBMP had illegally constructed the shops on footpaths.
Following this, the court stayed the constructions of shops. The BBMP had then filed an application seeking vacation of the stay order. The court, however, rejected the application of the Palike and directed it to remove the illegal construction.