The Karnataka High Court has instructed the state government to submit a comprehensive response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the rehabilitation of residents displaced by a major demolition drive in Bengaluru's Kogilu Layout. The court's directive came during a hearing on Wednesday, January 8, 2026.
Court's Directive and Government's Stance
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C M Poonacha heard the petition filed by three affected residents. The plea demands rehabilitation and alternative accommodation for approximately 3,000 impacted individuals within a 5-kilometer radius of the original site, along with compensation for what they term an "illegal" demolition.
Representing the state, Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty informed the court that authorities have demarcated three separate areas for the temporary relocation of the homeless families. He assured the bench that basic amenities, including food, are being arranged at these sites.
Background of the Demolition Drive
The controversy stems from a demolition action initiated by civic agencies on December 21 in Kogilu Layout, located in the Yelahanka zone of Bengaluru. The drive rendered more than 150 families homeless overnight. The government maintains that the demolished structures were illegal encroachments on land designated for solid waste management projects.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar have defended the action, stating the area was an encroached-upon waste disposal site and fundamentally unsuitable for human habitation. However, the move has sparked significant political and social backlash.
Political Fallout and Demands for Justice
The demolition has escalated into a political row, with local NGOs and activists highlighting that some residents had lived in the area for up to 30 years. The criticism crossed state borders when Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan publicly criticised the Congress-led Karnataka government's action on social media.
The petitioners' counsel argued that due process was not followed. "Rehabilitation centres... this was supposed to be done before the demolition. Audi alteram partem (opportunity to be heard) was not followed," the counsel stated before the court.
Beyond rehabilitation, the PIL seeks writs declaring the demolition unconstitutional and action against the officers involved. As an interim measure, it requests the court to ensure the provision of food, shelter, toilet facilities, medical camps, and educational assistance for displaced students.
The state government has also stated that eligible local residents will be surveyed for inclusion in the 'one lakh housing scheme' and that basic necessities will be provided on humanitarian grounds. The High Court has scheduled the next hearing on January 22.
