High Court asks BBMP for action plan for EWS flats

SHORT LIFE: The debris of 33rd block of the EWS quarters at Ejipura after itcollapsed in heavy rain. File Photo: K. Murali Kumar

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday directed the Commissioner of the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to file an affidavit on the plan of action relating to reconstruction 1,640 flats for the eligible persons from economically weaker sections (EWS) at Ejipura.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Vikramjit Sen and Justice Aravind Kumar issued direction to the Commissioner, who was present in the court, during the hearing on a public interest litigation petition filed by original allottees of flats complaining that they are forced to live in temporary sheds since 2007.

Poor construction

The BBMP had constructed 1,512 flats spread over 42 blocks and allotted them to eligible persons from EWS in 1996. However, a few blocks collapsed in 2003, killing some residents. Later, all 42 blocks were demolished after it was found that they were unfit for living due to substandard construction.

Later, the BBMP entered into an agreement with a private firm, Maverick Holdings and Investment Pvt. Ltd, for joint development to build 1,640 flats and a commercial complex on that land.

Undivided right

However, the allottees contended they had undivided right over the land. The court, during last hearing, had observed that prima facie the BBMP’s agreement would attract criminal offences and asked the Commissioner to be present in the court.

When BBMP counsel on Tuesday assured the court that it would provide all the facilities, including 24-hour lift services to the nine-storey building proposed on the land, the Bench asked the Commissioner to file an affidavit on the action plan while adjourning hearing to July 24.