The issue of commercial establishments operating in residential localities came under the scanner on Tuesday with residents of Jayanagar filing a PIL against granting licence to a hotel which has permission to operate till late night.

While hearing the PIL against granting of licence to the Empire Hotel to operate at Jayanagar, Block III, a vacation division bench headed by Justice Anand Byrareddy ordered issue of emergent notice to the State government in this regard. The bench also ordered a stay on granting licence to the hotel.

C Puttanarasimhaiah and 12 other petitioners stated that they have been living at Jayanagar peacefully for the last 40 years. “We recently came to know that the Empire Hotel is coming to our locality. The proposal has been a cause of concern for us as the said establishment will worsen the parking problem in the area. Already, the area has a healthcare unit, the Garden City hospital and an education institution, the NMKRV college.

With the upcoming Empire Hotel scheduled to operate till 1 am, it will cause disturbances not only to patients in the hospital, but also students of the college,” said the petitioners.
The case has been adjourned for further hearing.

On January 25, 2012, the Karnataka High Court had directed the BBMP not to issue trade licences or allow commercial activities in residential areas. Besides, building plans of commercial establishments and trade licences issued to establishments in residential areas after January 25 should be revoked. It appeared that BBMP officials did not follow the instructions, which incurred the wrath of the court. On December 14, a division bench of Chief Justice Vikramajit Sen and Justice B V Nagarathna pulled up the BBMP for not adhering to its January 25 order and acting on their whims and fancies.