Karnataka HC notice to govt. on BDA’s plan to construct new building for its headquarters by demolishing existing one

The High Court of Karnataka has ordered the issue of notice to the State government and the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) on a petition challenging the decision of the BDA to demolish its existing headquarters and construct a new building in its place.

A division bench comprising Anu Sivaraman and Justice K.S. Bharath Kumar passed the order on the petition filed by social activists, B.M. Shivakumar and H. Shivaram.

It has been pointed out in the petition that the BDA, in its board meeting held on December 30, 2025, passed a resolution with the board delegating powers to the Chairman and Commissioner for the demolition of the old building and the construction of a new one as part of the BDA’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

It has been contended in the petition that the existing building, which includes the 2004-built ‘Development Bhavan’ annexe, remains functional and has been substantially maintained using public funds.

It further alleges that no structural stability or condition assessment was conducted, no report from the Public Works Department was obtained, and no feasibility study was undertaken to examine whether repair, renovation, or structural strengthening could serve the purpose instead.

Claiming that the BDA is in debt, the petitioners have contended that spending crores of rupees of public money in such a financial situation is not in the public interest. The petitioners have also claimed that the authority has not audited its accounts for over five years and that its accounts have not been placed in the public domain.

Stating that the existing buildings should not be allowed to be demolished without a duly authenticated structural and technical assessment, the petitioners have said that the BDA is proceeding with its plan sans approval from the government.