Road through UAS: Come with a solution, HC to former VCs

The suggestion from the  Division Bench comprising Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice A S Bopanna came after the BBMP counsel submitted that there would have been no felling of trees if the campus was allowed to be bisected for the project.

“We were going straight, but considering their research and other activities, we avoided going straight and resorted to felling of trees,” said K N Puttegowda, counsel for Palike. He said the Palike had been given 24 acres while the project required only 12 acres. The width of the road was reduced to 80 feet from 100 feet keeping in mind the ecology and research work.

The Bench lashed out at the petitioners saying that they were responsible for felling of trees. “If you knew that they were demanding more land, why did you not file for an injunction,” it questioned. “If you are responsible, suggest a solution which can be a least damage to the varsity’s hotspots and research,” the court said.

However, the counsel for the varsity submitted that land was never promised to BBMP and even the 24 acres was acquired for the project amid protests. The matter has been adjourned.

‘Hold the matter’

The High Court has directed the HSR Layout Residents’ Association challenging the construction of Judges Colony to “hold the matter.”

“ Wait, we will keep it pending till they (the government) hand over possession of new quarters. There may be a slip between the cup and the lip,” the Division Bench told petitioners during the hearing on Tuesday. 

The petitioners said that conversion of the playground into the judges quarters amounts to  violation of the zonal regulations and several Supreme Court orders. The court directed the government to pay Rs 2.5 crore which the contractor has spent for the work.