Karnataka High Court Halts Further Construction Inside Cubbon Park

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka and Justice Sachin Shankar Magadum passed the interim order on a petition filed by Cubbon Park Walkers' Association. The bench said "As far as construction undertaken by Respondent 4 ((DIRECTOR OF HORTICULTURE) we make it clear that all further construction will be subject to orders which may passed by this court and the building that is ultimately constructed shall not be occupied, without seeking leave of the court."

It added "Perused pictures at annexure of the construction carried out by respondent 14 (KSGEA), we restrain the respondent from proceeding with further construction." The matter will be next heard on March 2.

The petition filed by the association sought direction to the respondents to forthwith demolish the construction which have been completed in utter disregard of the provisions contained in Karnataka Parks, Play-fields and Open Spaces (Preservation and Regulation Act) and contrary to directions issued by the High Court.

The petition also states that if the constructions are allowed to remain it will cause irreparable loss and injury to the general public. Therefore the said illegal construction is required to be demolished and the Cubbon Park is required to be restored to its original glory.

The Association alleged that illegal construction is being carried out by of a Hopcoms shop by Horticulture Department, construction by Department of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, operating tertiary treatment plant by BWSSB, swimming pool by Century Club, swimming pool and an extra tennis court by KSLTA, generator room and tennis court by Secretariat Club, NGO Hall by Karnataka State Government Employees Association, and new structures by The Press Club and YMCA, within the park premises.

(Image from here)