BENGALURU: The Karnataka High Court on Friday stayed the election to eight standing committees of BBMP, which was scheduled for October 1.
The chairmen of Education & Sports, Ward level Public Works, Horticulture, Social Justice, Town Planning and Improvement, Appeals, Staff & Administration Reforms and Major Public Works committees had approached the High Court, saying that the state government, regional commissioner and BBMP were acting in haste to cut short their tenure solely for political reasons and because they do not belong to the BJP.
They were elected on Dec. 5, 2018 and they prayed before the court to issue directions to not to interfere with their functioning till their term ends on Dec. 4, 2019. The High Court made it clear that after the expiry of the term of the eight standing committees or the expiry of the five-year term of the eight councillors, whichever is earlier, its order will not come in the way of the respondents to proceed further in accordance with law.
Notices to parties, organisations: The High Court issued notices to political parties, mainly the BJP, Congress and JD(S), and several organisations such as Karnataka Rakshana Vedhike, Jaya Karnataka and others following a public interest litigation over seeking compensation for the loss caused to the public and exchequer during bandhs on various occasions. They have been directed to file objections in the matter.
The court directed the concerned authorities to identify the culprits who are involved in causing loss to the public exchequer while protesting the arrest of former minister D.K. Shivakumar. The state government was directed to report on the action taken against such culprits.
Inspection a must: The High Court ordered that the BBMP Commissioner should first inspect the site when approving religious activities on roads and sidewalks, and seek permission from the traffic police before granting permission to such activities.
Anil Lad plea dismissed: The High Court dismissed a petition filed by former MLA Anil Lad, seeking to quash a CBI case in connection with the illegal export of 50,000 metric tonnes of iron ore from Belekeri port.
