Karnataka forms SIT to probe land acquisition irregularities; 61k cases pending, officials suspended, lawyers dismissed, compensation inflated

The Karnataka government has announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine irregularities in land acquisition processes linked to the Bengaluru Development and Irrigation Departments. The move follows a review of thousands of pending cases under both departments, overseen by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.

An internal inquiry by the Revenue Department revealed delays and lapses in handling land acquisition matters within Bengaluru limits. Officials and members of the legal team were found to have failed in filing applications on time, leading to prolonged disputes. The SIT will now investigate the extent of irregularities and identify where conspiracies may have taken place.

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The Irrigation Department has over 61,000 cases pending in various courts, many of which involve compensation disputes. In several instances, although the Revenue Department completed the acquisition process, the responsibility for compensation payments lay with corporations under the Irrigation Department. However, these corporations were not made parties to the proceedings, complicating the legal process.

Disciplinary action has been initiated against officials who neglected their duties, with suspensions ordered. Lawyers who failed to act on time or committed dereliction of duty will face dismissal. The government has emphasized accountability, stating that both officials and legal representatives will be held responsible.

The state is also pursuing corrective measures in court. Writ petitions are being filed in the High Court, Special Leave Petitions in the Supreme Court, and in some cases, withdrawal of proceedings is being considered.

Authorities highlighted the scale of irregularities, noting that compensation amounts fixed at ₹9 lakh were later escalated by court orders to sums as high as ₹20 crore. The SIT’s findings are expected to play a crucial role in addressing these discrepancies and ensuring transparency in future land acquisition processes.

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