In a significant development, the Karnataka High Court rejected a Public Interest Litigation challenging the acquisition of 516 acres of agricultural land for the Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township Project at Bidadi. The PIL, filed by Rajesh Kamplapura Basavanna, raised concerns about the legality of the land acquisition process and opposed the notification issued for the project.
A Division Bench, led by Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice K.S. Hemalekha, presided over the proceedings. The Bench acknowledged the state government’s adherence to a legal framework that ensures enhanced compensation to landowners under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Act, 2013.
During the hearing, the petitioner, Rajesh, alleged that the government was converting over 9,400 acres of agricultural land for real estate development against the wishes of some farmers. He argued that the township project required consent from at least 80% of landowners, citing ongoing protests by farmers against the initiative.
The Karnataka High Court clarified its role, emphasizing that it would not assess the project’s merits but focus solely on any legal irregularities in the acquisition process. Following a thorough review, the court found no legal grounds to intervene and dismissed the PIL challenging the land acquisition notification for the Bidadi Integrated Township Project.
