Probe stayed against Limbavali in DLF case

Illegalities alleged in sanction of plan for an apartment

The Karnataka High Court on Friday stayed further investigation by the Bangalore Metropolitan Task Force (BMTF) against Minister for Health and Family Welfare Aravind Limbavali and the former Additional Chief Secretary K.M. Shivakumar in the case related to illegalities in sanctioning plans for the apartment complex built by DLF Group and widening of roads.

Justice K.N. Keshavanarayana passed the interim orders on separate petitions filed by Mr. Limbavali and Mr. Shivakumar challenging the investigation being carried out by the BMTF with the permission of the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Bangalore.

The BMTF had registered the case based on a complaint by L. Nagesh, who had alleged that the DLF Group had constructed an 18-storey building near the Begur-Hulimavu road even though the BBMP had granted approval for construction of a basement and four floors. It was alleged that the BBMP had ordered for widening this road from 18 m to 24 m, instead of widening it up to 18 m as per the Master Plan, to favour the real estate company based on the alleged recommendations from Mr. Limbavali in 2009.

Mr. Shivakumar, who has retired from service, has been named an accused in the case as he was the administrator of the BBMP when certain approval was given for road widening.

Windmills

The Karnataka High Court on Friday directed the Karnataka Elephant Task Force to examine the disturbance caused to elephants and other animals due to installation of windmills in wildlife habitats in the State.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Vikramajit Sen and Justice B.V. Nagarathna issued the direction when it was pointed out that the noise caused by the windmills was driving away elephants from their habitats.

Amicus Curiae M.R. Naik pointed out this aspect when the Bench was reviewing the actions initiated by the State and the Centre based on the recommendations made by the court-appointed task force in its report submitted in September.

As both the governments wanted four weeks to respond to the recommendations, Mr. Naik emphasised the need for studying the impact of from noise emanating from windmills on elephants.

While asking the Karnataka Elephant Task Force to examine the issue and submit a report, the Bench adjourned further hearing till January 30, 2013.