The Karnataka High Court has initiated action against 44 government and semi-government bodies, issuing notices to them in response to a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) petition.
The petition, highlighting the failure of state authorities to adhere to court orders, has named key entities including the Chief Secretary to the State government and various departments such as Agriculture, Revenue, Health, and Home. Among the respondents are prominent agencies like the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), and the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB). The Court’s action stems from concerns over the non-compliance of state authorities with previous court directives, leading to a breach of the Contempt of Courts Act. Initiated on April 8, the proceedings were prompted by the Court’s observation of repeated instances where the state failed to fulfil court-mandated obligations. Citing eleven specific examples of such non-compliance, the Court expressed dismay at the apparent disregard for judicial directives without valid justification.
The High Court underscored the importance of upholding the rule of law and emphasised that the democratic commitment of any government is measured by its adherence to court orders. It highlighted the crucial role of judicial efficacy in maintaining public trust in the administration of justice. Advocate Madhukar Deshpande represented the interests of the High Court, while the State was represented by Additional Government Advocate (AGA) Niloufer Akbar. The legal proceedings reflect the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring accountability and the effective functioning of government institutions in Karnataka. The development serves as a reminder of the judiciary’s role in upholding the rule of law and promoting transparency and accountability in governance. As the legal process unfolds, stakeholders await further deliberations and actions aimed at fostering compliance with court directives and upholding the principles of justice and governance in the state.
