BDA, forest wing spar over ownership of lake

BDA, forest wing spar over ownership of lake
BENGALURU


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The Karnataka high court came down heavily on forest officers on Thursday while hearing a case relating to the ownership of Chennasandra Lake in Bengaluru. The forest department has been accused of violating the decision of the state Cabinet pertaining to the ownership of the lake.
Justice Ram Mohan Reddy wanted forest officials to explain how they could claim the ownership of the lake, after the Cabinet had decided to hand over the property to BDA. The court was hearing a petition by Munithayamma, a resident of RMV extension.

The court directed the government to submit an earlier notification regarding handing over the lake to the forest department. Both BDA and the forest department have claimed ownership of the lake. According to BDA, the government had decided to hand over the land in Chennasandra village including the lake to it for the formation of a layout. The forest department, while asserting that it was the owner, had fenced the lake and the property of the petitioner.
JAYALALITHAA PLEA ADJOURNED The high court further adjourned the plea by former Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa, to set aside a recent order passed by the special judge and the 36th additional sessions judge, Bengaluru, except the portion giving her the liberty to rectify the defects with the help of experts.

The matter was posted for further hearing to August 24. A special court had dismissed the petition by the former TN chief minister pleading that she be discharged in the case as it was not in accordance with the law.
HC EXTENDS STATUS QUO The high court on Thursday extended the validity of the order to maintain the status quo on the renovation work at Siddalingeshwara Swamy temple in Yediyur. While hearing a public interest litigation filed by Dr Hatti Chandrashekar and others, a division bench headed by Chief Justice J.S. Khehar extended the interim order issued on August 9 by a week.