High Court issued a notice to Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda on a PIL about his plot in HSR Layout, on January 10th. The case filed by journalist and activist K G Nagalakshmi Bai last August had pointed out that Gowda’s usage of the plot was illegal.

The plot Sadananda Gowda owns in HSR Layout. Pic: Vijayalakshmi P

Gowda was allotted site No. 2B, a 50×80 ft plot in Sector 3 of HSR layout, for residential use in 2006. Another 50×80 ft site adjacent at the back (site no. 13B) is owned by Sringeri MLA D N Jeevaraj. The allegation against Gowda is that he is building a five-storey building spread over both plots. Amalgamating plots owned by two separate individuals is illegal.

The PIL also alleges that a part of the building is intended for commercial use while BDA had sanctioned the plot for residential purpose only. BDA rules do not allow land use change. Also, BDA does not allow residential buildings to have more than three floors. Gowda’s plot was allocated under the Chief Minister’s discretionary quota during the JD(S)-BJP coalition government.

The plot is located along 18th A main road, opposite Cambridge Public School. When Citizen Matters visited the area, none of the residents nearby were aware of Gowda’s site. Construction work continues in the site now.

Nagalakshmi, in her petition, has demanded that the land should be retrieved or the building demolished. She also demands action against BDA and BBMP.

In addition to Gowda, High Court also ordered issue of notice to other respondents in the case – the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary of UDD, Commissioners of BBMP, BDA and police department.

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