Karnataka HC allows use of Krishik Samaj building in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: The High Court on Monday issued an interim order allowing the use of the Karnataka Pradesh Krishik Samaj building in Bengaluru after a panel submitted a report stating that it was located outside Cubbon Park.

Following a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the Cubbon Park Walkers Association, the court had earlier constituted a fact-finding committee comprising engineers from the Public Works Department and the Assistant Director of Land Records to conduct a survey and report if the building has come up on land that is part of Cubbon Park.

The survey report presented to the division bench of Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale and Justice Ashok S Kinagi stated that the building is outside Cubbon Park limits. Considering this report, the court allowed Horticultural Producers Cooperative Marketing and Processing Society Limited (HOPCOMS) to use the building located near Hudson Circle in the city.

The report also mentioned that the Karnataka State Government Employees Association is also outside Cubbon Park limits and the court has also allowed its use by the Association. The court, however, specified that it would be subject to the final judgment in the case.

The other respondents in the PIL filed by the Walkers Association include Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), The Century Club, Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association, Karnataka Government Secretariat Club, The Press Club of Bangalore and the Young Mens Christian Association.

The PIL claims that Cubbon Park is notified under the Karnataka Parks, Playfields and Open Spaces (Preservation and Regulation) Act but the authorities have allowed several illegal constructions inside it by the respondents, who are operating under lease inside the park.