Esteem Mall moves HC over demolition

The Esteem Mall on Ballari Road has moved the High Court over the decision of Special land Acquisition officer, National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), to demolish a portion of its compound wall and a few other structures on March 7, 2015.

Following the recent accident at Esteem Mall junction, there has been a proposal to build a skywalk.

The NHAI had acquired a portion of land owned by Esteem Mall to an extent of 5,445 sq feet in 2004 and had awarded a compensation of Rs 9.73 lakh.

It had again sought to acquire another 1,635 sq feet to widen NH7 in 2010. However the same was opposed by the petitioners, who sought that the matter be referred to the appropriate authority. The NHAI authorities had agreed for the enhancement of the compensation later on.

However, on March 3, 2015, the NHAI authorities issued a notice to the petitioners directing them to hand over the possession of the acquired land within three days and began demolishing it on March 7.

Justice B V Nagarathna, who heard the matter, has stayed the demolition process at present.