Karnataka HC dismisses state's appeal against actor Upendra on land

Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Monday dismissed an appeal filed by the state government against Kannada actor B.M. Upendra Kumar in connection with the agricultural land purchased by him. The state had challenged the single judge bench's order which had ruled in favour of the actor while citing that the state took time to act to against the actor.

The actor had purchased agricultural land in Byalalu village, Tavarekere Hobli, Bangalore South Taluk totally measuring about 17 acres 10 guntas in 2005 and subsequently the khata of the property was transferred in the actor's name.

The actor had even raised a loan of Rs 35 lakh towards the development of the land. Later, the Assistant Commissioner had issued the notice asking why proceedings ought not to be initiated under Section 83 of the KLR Act, for violation of Sections 79-A and 80 of the KLR Act. The state authorities had issued notice citing that the agricultural lands were purchased in violation of the KLR Act.

The actor, objected, stating that the property was purchased by the joint family and the family did not have any income in excess of Rs 2,00,000 per year. Following this, the actor had challenged that order before the Karnataka Appellate Tribunal. The Tribunal in its order dated 3.11.2009, had dismissed his appeal.