The Karnataka High Court has temporarily stayed land acquisition for Bengaluru’s Peripheral Ring Road-2 project in Machohalli village, directing that the status quo be maintained until further proceedings. The single-judge bench of Justice R Nataraj also issued notices to the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) and the Special Land Acquisition Officer.
The order followed a petition filed by local landowners, including Vinod Kumar Yadav, challenging the final land acquisition notification issued for the project. The petitioners have asked the court to prevent any alteration, possession or construction activity on the affected properties while the case is being heard.
The landowners’ counsel argued that a preliminary notification for their land had been issued several years ago, but the final notification was issued only after a prolonged interval. The petitioners have questioned whether the acquisition process can legally continue after such a long delay.
Peripheral Ring Road-2 is intended to improve connectivity around Bengaluru by linking areas between Hosur Road, Mysuru Road and Tumakuru Road. A preliminary notification for the project was issued in 2006. Earlier judicial records have referred to a final notification being issued in 2007, while the latest proceedings concern the acquisition process affecting land in Machohalli.
The project has a long legal history. Several landowners connected with the proposed road have approached the High Court at different stages. In some cases, courts have upheld acquisition notifications and directed the authorities to provide legally payable compensation and complete pending acquisition proceedings. Other cases concerning the validity of notifications, delays in acquisition and project implementation remain before the courts.
The latest petitioners have argued that issuing or acting on a final notification while multiple acquisition-related cases remain pending is legally improper. The affected area includes land across several villages and layouts, creating uncertainty for both property owners and site holders within the Peripheral Ring Road-2 alignment.
The interim order does not finally decide the validity of the acquisition notification or determine the future of the wider road project. It prevents changes to the concerned properties while the court examines the petition and awaits responses from the BDA and the Special Land Acquisition Officer.
