Work on the disputed land needed for the construction of the Metro station near Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), popularly known as Soap Factory, on Reach-3 commenced on Wednesday. Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation authorities started demolition work on the land which is said to be owned by G.M. Babu. It has been alleged that the BMRCL did not pay land compensation to Mr Babu before starting demolition work.
Mr Babu had filed a writ appeal before the High Court challenging the acquisition of land for the Metro station. The appeal was dismissed on April 18, 2012 with an order to maintain status quo for three weeks at the instance of the appellant, to enable him to file a petition before the Supreme Court. It is said that Mr Babu filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) before the Supreme Court that was heard on May 8. The SLP was dismissed as withdrawn, permitting the petitioner to file an application for modification before the High Court and with a direction to consider it if such an interlocutory application (IA) is filed.
With this directive of the Supreme Court, the BMRCL commenced demolition works. The three weeks status quo as directed by the High Court got over on May 9. Sudarshan, son of Mr. Babu said that no compensation had been paid by the BMRCL. “Land acquisition work was started by the BMRCL and more than 80 per cent of our property was demolished. The work is being carried out aggressively by BMRCL and if we intervene to inquire about compensation, the organization asks us to talk to the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board. In fact, the BMRCL is yet to register the property in their name,” said Sudarshan.
The disputed land has two building locateds opposite each other and a garage in the middle. The total area of the property is 1 acre out of which the BMRCL will acquire 991 square meters. It has been stated by BMRCL officials that the area will be utilized for DG sets and emergency staircase, etc.
“The Metro could have taken waste government land in the vicinity. Just because they want to cater to people living in Brigade Gateway, they are building a metro station here,” adds Sudarshan.