'Mallathahalli amphitheatre will be used only as Kalyani': BBMP assures Karnataka High Court

Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court has disposed of a civil contempt petition regarding Mallathahalli lake.

They were considering the affidavit submitted by the BBMP that though an amphitheatre has been constructed, the area will only be used as a Kalyani and not as an amphitheatre.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice NV Anjaria and Justice MI Arun disposed of the contempt petition filed by Geetha Misra, who had earlier filed a PIL on the issue.

On March 14, 2023, while disposing off the PIL, the High Court had specified that the authorities should not permit any individual, group or any political party to use the tank area of Mallathahalli lake in Bengaluru South taluk for recreational purpose or celebrations, so also, ensure protection of the tank.

The order in the PIL had also specified that there should not be any temporary or permanent construction nor any commercial, recreational or industrial activity in the lake.

There should not be any pollution or conduct of any act which is detrimental directly or indirectly to the tank or tank-bed area.

The petitioner in the PIL Geetha Misra had moved the contempt petition in 2024 alleging violation of the said directions and also usage of a portion of the lake area for amphitheatre.

In his additional compliance affidavit dated March 6, 2025, Tushar Girinath, Chief Commissioner of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike stated that though an amphitheatre has been constructed, the said area will also be used only as a Kalyani and not as an amphitheatre.