The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) Legal Cell was once again at the receiving end of councillors’ ire on Tuesday. They complained about the inefficiency of the cell, because of which BBMP was losing ownership of properties worth crores, they said.
Dharmarayaswamy temple ward councillor P. Dhanraj raised the issue and said that house construction for pourakarmikas was in limbo for nearly a decade as the legal cell had failed to get a stay on the proposal vacated. The pourakarmikas were now forced to live in sheds built over a storm-water drain. He alleged that the legal cell had joined hands with the opponent, and said that he was ready to fight the case individually.
Dr. Rajkumar ward councillor Gangabyraiah labelled the cell as “illegal cell”. He demanded that the cell chief, who is a retired judge, be relieved.
Subhashnagar councillor T. Mallesh complained that Mantri Mall had sought permission for a 42-storeyed building. Though the bylaws do not allow it, the legal cell had okayed it. “I am ready to fight the case in court myself. Already the road is congested because of the mall. The situation will worsen if the [new building] comes up.”
Mayor B.S. Sathyanarayana assured Mr. Dhanraj that he would soon meet officials from the cell to sort out the issue.
