BANGALORE: The Karnataka High court on Tuesday directed the state government and the Archaeological Survey of India to clear encroachments on Hampi heritage sites within 15 days, and submit a report in connection with a PIL petition.
A Division Bench of the HC, comprising Chief Justice Vikramjit Sen and Justice B V Nagarathna, which was hearing the petition, got annoyed with the residents for not moving to the rehabilitation centre set up for them. Justice Vikramjit Sen said, “Get out of the place. This is a World Heritage Centre. Where else you want land, in Sankey Tank Road? We will go according to the documents. You can’t take advantage... the protected land should be cleared. You go to the alternative place and vacate this place within 15 days.”
The Bench further said, “We are dealing with two things: first, you should be given alternative place for living. Second, shifting should not affect your livelihood.”
The Bench stated that all the 314 families should be shifted to the rehabilitation centre in Kaddirampura.
Sasikala Challenges Special Court Order
Sasikala Natarajan, close aide of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa and co-accused in the wealth case against her, has filed a criminal petition in the HC challenging the Special Court order rejecting her plea seeking various documents pertaining to the case but not marked as exhibits in court. The petition is likely to come up for hearing on Wednesday. On April 3, Special Court Judge B M Mallikarjunaiah rejected Sasikala’s application and adjourned the case till April 12.