Bengaluru, Nov 23 (NationPress) The Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, D.K. Shivakumar, announced on Saturday that the state government will initiate a comprehensive investigation into suspected lapses in land acquisition court cases involving the Irrigation Department and the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA). He cautioned that unresolved issues could impose a financial burden of approximately Rs 5 lakh crore on the state.

Shivakumar stated that officials who neglected their responsibilities would face suspension, and lawyers who improperly handled cases would be dismissed.

After a review meeting at Vidhana Soudha regarding the outstanding land acquisition cases related to the Water Resources Department and the BDA, Shivakumar addressed the media.

In response to inquiries about potential financial repercussions and allegations of individuals exploiting legal provisions for inflated compensation, he remarked, “Together with the BDA Chairman and senior officials, I traveled to Delhi for discussions. If these lapses are not rectified, the government may confront liabilities nearing Rs 5 lakh crore.”

A special team has already commenced a review of the cases and is expected to present a report within 10-15 days.

“Should it be necessary, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will be established later to conduct an extensive investigation,” he added.

Shivakumar mentioned that the government has begun an internal review to identify the number of pending cases, reasons for delays, and their escalation. “These cases will impose a substantial financial strain on the government. The discussions involved Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Law Minister H.K. Patil, and a group of lawyers from Delhi,” he stated.

Referring to recent resolutions, he noted: “We made a significant decision in the Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigam to enhance compensation for mutually agreed land acquisitions, allocating around Rs 75,000 crore for this purpose.”

The Revenue Department has been tasked with investigating lapses in the Bengaluru area. “Officials and members of the legal team have failed to submit applications punctually, leading to delays. We have mandated a report to be submitted,” he explained.

Shivakumar highlighted that significant cases are scheduled for the Supreme Court on November 10, necessitating the identification of all lapses beforehand. He declared that an SIT would be formed to investigate “where and how conspiracies have occurred.”

He affirmed that officials found guilty of negligence would be suspended, and lawyers who inadequately filed applications would be dismissed. “There are 219 lawyers representing cases from the Irrigation Department. None have taken responsibility. All will be let go, and new lawyers will be appointed,” he elaborated.

Furthermore, Shivakumar indicated that the government plans to establish an authority led by a retired judge to resolve cases outside the court system. He also mentioned intentions to introduce amendments to the law in the upcoming session to mitigate procedural delays and establish legal monitoring units in both Delhi and Bengaluru.

He stressed that compensation for the Bengaluru Business Corridor Roads 1 and 2 should commence within one month, with project work slated to begin within six months. “Should there be any delays, current officials will be replaced, and new officials will be appointed to ensure progress,” he concluded.