HC slams BBMP over KR Market illegal shops

The high court came down heavily on the BBMP for failing to comply with the fire safety guidelines and allowing illegal construction of shops in KR Market.

A division bench headed by acting Chief Justice L Narayana Swamy directed the BBMP commissioner to be present before the court on Wednesday.

The court was hearing a petition filed by the flower merchants’ association and others who have challenged the setting up of illegal stalls in the public passage and fire exit areas of the KR Market to the extent of disrupting air flow that may lead to fire incidents.

The petitioners contended that 95 fire accidents have already taken place in the market area. It orally observed: " Why were illegal complexes being permitted to be set up and who is responsible for the same? What is the action taken against them? And what are the steps you would take to prevent construction illegal buildings?"

The court also directed the commissioner to make a statement with regard to illegal construction of shops in the markets run by the corporation particularly, Russell Market, KR Market and Madivala Market and the steps taken to demolish alleged illegal shops in these markets.

It sought to know as to how were illegal complexes permitted to be set up and who was responsible for the same. What is the action taken against them? The case was adjourned to Wednesday.