Plea against eviction notice to pub

A writ petition has been filed in the High Court of Karnataka seeking a stay on the eviction notice issued to a city-based pub by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike.

Due to the urgency of the matter, the petitioner has moved the court seeking hearing.
Justice Vineet Kothari was hearing a petition filed by Amit Ahuja, owner of 'The Open Box Bar and Restaurant' on St Marks Road who has moved the court challenging the eviction notice.

Justice Vineet Kothari orally directed the BBMP counsel not to precipitate the matter and produce a comprehensive report citing the details of all the eviction notices issued to various pubs and bars in the city.

The matter will be heard on Wednesday.

According to Vinay Venugopal, the petitioner's counsel, the BBMP has asked the petitioner to vacate his premises by Tuesday and has also issued an order alleging various fire safety violations along with accusing him of noise pollution.

Surprisingly, the civic body has also admitted that the petitioner has also obtained a 'No Objection Certificate' for the said premises.

The petitioner also states that the BBMP has threatened him with criminal action for the alleged safety violations.

According to the petitioner, the Palike did not conduct any inspection and issued an order dated December 26, 2016, that was received by the petitioner on January 2, 2017.

The order stated that various complaints had been received from nearby residents accusing him of noise pollution.

The petitioner added that he has been in the business for the past three years and has adhered to all the licensing requirements along with ensuring safety measures.
The matter has been listed for hearing on Wednesday.