BENGALURU: Upset over lack of effective cooperation from officials in deciding a land dispute case, the High Court has directed the Bengaluru Rural Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer and the Panchayat Development Officer of Kallubalu Gram Pachayat in Anekal taluk, to deposit a sum of `20,000 each from their personal resources.
Justice Vineet Kothari also asked them to appear in person on July 28 and explain why the deposits made by them cannot be awarded as damages and costs in favour of the petitioners Bharatamma and three others.
The order was passed by Justice Kothari on July 17 as the officials failed to explain why the petitioners’ khata of land in Nisarga Layout, Jigani hobli of Anekal taluk, was suddenly changed from Form 11(A) (conversion of land) to 11(B) (non-conversion). Due to this, the banks refused loan to the petitioners.
While staying the change of khata, Justice Kothari observed that there is lack of effective assistance from both the officials.
Advocate M S Bhagavat said the land was purchased by the petitioners at an approved layout, as the sanction for it was obtained from the competent authority.
In another case relating to renewal of trade licence, the judge pointed out to lack of proper representation on the part of the Gram Panchayat and Panchayat Development Officers against whom litigation in the court is in abundance.
In view of this, the judge had directed the Principal Secretary to the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department to make suitable arrangements for coordinating with various local bodies in the court and asked them to take appropriate action against Panchayat Development Officer, Anneshwara Gram Panchayat, Devanahalli, Bengaluru Rural District and submit a report.
The judge asked the PDO of Anneshwara Gram Panchayat to be present before the court and issued a show cause notice as to why a sum of `50,000 cannot be imposed on him for not responding to the court summons. The summons was served on him through registered post, but he refused to accept it.