D. Raghunath v. State of Karnataka
Case brief
What is this about?
High Court of Karnataka at Bengaluru (NC: 2025:KHC:14615); W.P. Nos. 7446, 7438 and 9602 of 2025 (GM-KEB), decided 04.04.2025 by M. Nagaprasanna, J. Landowners D. Raghunath, K.P. Rajendra and K.T. Devrajegowda challenged notification dated 04.03.2024 issued by respondent No.3 (Executive Engineer, PWD, Malandur Division) and sought consideration of objections dated 26.12.2024. Petitions disposed on the same terms as W.P.No.7733/2025 and connected matters disposed on 03.04.2025 (precedent followed): objectors to pursue proceedings before the Deputy Commissioner, who to decide in accordance with law; no coercive steps qua property till decision. Statutes: Articles 226 and 227, Constitution of India. No monetary quantum.
What did the court decide?
Petitions disposed on the same terms as W.P.No.7733/2025 and connected matters disposed on 03.04.2025: per the terms adopted, the petitioners may pursue the proceedings before the Deputy Commissioner (filing additional objections if needed); the Deputy Commissioner is to consider all objections/additional objections and pass orders in accordance with law, including assessing environmental impact after securing a report from the Forest Department; and no coercive steps are to be taken against the petitioners qua their property till the Deputy Commissioner decides the pending proceedings.