Chaini Parwani –
Published On: October 8, 2021 at 17:44 IST
The High Court of Karnataka on Thursday demanded officials to maintain the status quo on the Balabrooie guest house on Palace Road, adjourning the State Government and Legislature’s aims to set up Constitution Club for lawmakers at the heritage site.
The Court also paused authorities from felling or pruning any trees in the area without obtaining its express approval.
A division bench headed by acting chief justice passed the orders after hearing an Interlocutory Application (IA), which cited media reports on the club proposal and sought a stay.
Dattatreya T and Bangalore Environment Trust presented the Interlocutory Application on Thursday, asking an urgent Trial. It is in association with their unresolved PIL requesting a tree census in the city.
After knowing that the trees were more than 100 years old, the Court demanded Civic body BBMP, the authority for conducting a tree census, and the horticulture department to submit detailed reports on the trees in and around the guest house.
Earlier this week, the assembly speaker stated that after discussions with the ruling and opposition parties, a common decision had been made to set up Constitution Club for Legislators at Balabrooie guest house, which was built in the 1850s. The speaker accentuated that no damage would be caused to the heritage structure.
The Interlocutory Application filed on Thursday emphasized the importance of the place. “The guest house is considered one of the heritage sites in Bengaluru and was originally constructed as the residence of Sir. The campus has served as a guest house to many eminent personalities such as Rabindranath Tagore, and Sir during their visits to the city,” it stated.
While requesting the court’s intervention in the matter, it further stated that in addition to the tremendous historical significance and value, the Balabrooie campus also has large trees over 100 years old. Owing to their massive root systems, these trees can absorb large quantities of rainwater and prevent flooding in the area.