BENGALURU: A resident of Kuvempu Nagar in Mysuru has approached the High Court seeking directions to the authorities to take steps to complete the gold leafing work started by artist Ganjeefa Raghupati Bhat in Mysuru palace. Hearing the public interest litigation filed by K Basavaraje Urs, the division bench of Chief Justice Subhro Kamal Mukherjee and Justice P S Dinesh Kumar issued notice to the Chief Secretary, Director of Tourism and Deputy Commissioner of Mysuru.
The petitioner alleged that there was total inaction on part of the authorities in carrying out the gold leafing work in Durbar Hall of the palace, a project with an estimated cost of Rs 4.98 crore. He said the work started in 2013 has not been completed due to a false complaint filed by a private person against Raghupati Bhat.
One Javaraju had alleged that Bhat colluded with officials to illegally get exemption from the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act for the gold leafing work. A case has been registered against Bhat under the Prevention of Corruption Act by the Lokayukta police. Stating that the majesty of the palace has diminished because of the pending gold leafing work, he sought directions to complete the work within a time frame.
HC issues notice to State, Centre over RERA
The High Court on Monday issued a notice to the State and Central governments over a petition challenging a certain rule under the Karnataka Real Estate Regulation and Development Act (RERA). Justice A S Bopanna was dealing with a petition filed by Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout Site Owners and Residents Welfare Association among others. The petitioners challenged the validity of explanation under Rule 4(1). They opposed the rule which stipulates certain criteria for exclusion from being considered as an ongoing project, which requires mandatory registration. The petitioners contended that they have defaulted by failing to fulfil the promise made to the customers in their ongoing projects because of the new rules.