Bengaluru, Nov 23 (LatestNewsX) – Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced that the state will carry out an exhaustive probe into alleged shortcomings in land‑acquisition court cases handled by the Irrigation Department and the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA). He warned that any unresolved mistakes could cost the state as much as Rs 5 lakh crore. Officers who do not meet their responsibilities will be suspended, and lawyers who mishandled their files will be dismissed.
Shivakumar, who also oversees Bengaluru Urban Development and Water Resources, briefed the press after a review session at Vidhana Soudha regarding pending acquisition matters tied to the Water Resources Department and the BDA. When queried about the financial fallout and accusations that some parties exploited legal loopholes for higher payouts, he said, “I, along with the BDA Chairman and senior officials, visited Delhi and held meetings. If we fail to correct these lapses, the government may end up facing a burden of nearly Rs 5 lakh crore.” He added that a dedicated task force has already begun examining the cases and will deliver its findings in 10‑15 days. “If required, an SIT will be constituted later to conduct a comprehensive investigation,” he noted.
The government has opened an internal inquiry to tally pending cases, pinpoint delays, and understand why they have escalated. “These cases will put a huge financial burden on the government. Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Law Minister H.K. Patil, and a team of lawyers from Delhi participated in the discussions,” he said. Referring to recent decisions, he commented, “We took a historic decision in the Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigam to increase compensation for mutually agreed land acquisition. Around Rs 75,000 crore will be earmarked for this.” The Revenue Department has also been asked to review omissions in the Bengaluru region. “Officials and members of the legal team failed to file applications on time, causing delays. We have directed that a report be submitted,” he added.
With major cases scheduled before the Supreme Court on November 10, the government must identify all faults beforehand. Shivakumar pledged the formation of an SIT to investigate “where and how conspiracies have occurred.” Those found guilty of neglecting duty will face suspension, while attorneys who mishandled filings will be removed. “There are 219 lawyers representing cases of the Irrigation Department. None of them have taken responsibility. All of them will be removed and new lawyers will be appointed,” he said.
The administration plans to establish an authority chaired by a retired judge to settle disputes outside court. It will also seek to amend the law in the upcoming session to curb procedural delays and set up legal‑monitoring units in Delhi and Bengaluru. Compensation for the Bengaluru Business Corridor Roads 1 and 2 must start within a month, and project work should begin within six months. “If there is any delay, existing officials will be removed and new officials will be appointed to carry the work forward,” he concluded. mka/pgh
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