PIL over occupancy of govt building in Cubbon Park

The high court has issued notices to the state, horticulture department, chairman of the Karnataka Government Secretariat (KGS) Club and others over an alleged illegal occupancy of a government building in the Cubbon Park.

The court was hearing a petition filed by Niyazuddin MK, an advocate, who challenged illegal occupancy of the building by the club despite lapse of the lease deed.

The petitioner contended that the lease deed dated 4, July 1990 executed to the club by the government for a period of 10 years commenced in 1987 and ended in 1997. After the expiry of the lease deed, the government has not executed new lease has in favour of the club. And also, the club is not a government body.

The petitioner stated that the office-bearers of the club are planning to construct a swimming pool for the members.

The petitioner sought directions to the government to take over the custody of the building and direct the club authorities to not proceed with construction of the swimming pool.