Bangalore: The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday directed the Commissioner of Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike to be present in the court on November 5 as the civic body had not responded to the court’s notice on a public interest litigation (PIL) petition in connection with the death of nine-year-old Geethalakshmi, who was washed away after she fell into an open drain.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice D.H. Waghela and Justice Budihal R.B. issued the direction after a counsel representing BBMP in some other court, said he was not authorized by the BBMP’s legal cell to represent in the PIL related to the death of the girl.
However, the counsel for the petitioners, Namma Bengaluru Foundation and Rajya Sabha member Rajeev Chandrasekhar, told the court that they served the petition copy to the Commissioner as per court’s earlier direction.
Observing that it was “height of irresponsibility” on the part of BBMP as it had not responded to court’s notice, the court said that the Commissioner has to explain how its law wing functions. The Bench also orally observed that one could imagine what would be BBMP’s response when children die after falling into uncovered drains when it responds in this manner to the notice issued by the High Court itself.
Meanwhile, the Bench also directed the State to file a statement on the first information report (FIR) registered in connection with the death of nine-year-old girl, and also ensure presence of the police officer entrusted with the investigation of the case.
Also, the Chief Engineers of the eight zones of the BBMP will have to be present in the court to explain the actions initiated to implement the court’s July directions for removing encroachments from footpath, etc.
