Date:22/09/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/09/22/stories/2007092254240500.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Notice to Sageer over dropping land acquisition

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: The Karnataka High Court on Thursday took a serious view of the conduct of former Housing Minister Sageer Ahmed in recommending dropping acquisition proceedings of land in Meenakunte and Chikjala villages near Bangalore city, and ordered issue of notices to him. He must explain why he had issued the direction to drop the acquisition proceedings.

Justice N. Kumar passed the order on petitions by Uday Shankar and others, who had challenged the acquisition of their lands by the Karnataka Housing Board (KHB) for construction of houses under the “100 houses scheme”. The petitioners said the KHB had proposed to once again acquire their lands after dropping the acquisition proceedings. The KHB said it had initially dropped acquisition proceedings. But this was overruled by the Government.

Justice Kumar has adjourned further hearing on the case to October 8.