The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday (January 7, 2026) heard a PIL in which questions have been raised on the demolition of residential structures built on government land near Kogilu Layout in Bengaluru. Petitioner Jabiya Tabassum and others, whose houses were demolished, claimed that around 3,000 people had been living in the area for 28 years and were rendered homeless after the demolitions carried out by the Congress-led government in Wasim Layout and Fakir Layout.
The PIL demands rehabilitation and compensation for the affected residents. Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty objected to the claims made in the petition and said that the claim that people have been living in that area for 28 years is false.
He said that the government will present satellite photos of every illegally built house before the court. He further argued that the Supreme Court’s decision regarding rehabilitation would not be applicable in this case. He told the court that temporary arrangements have been made for the displaced residents and the government is providing food and medical facilities. One week’s time has also been sought to file detailed objections.
He also told that the demolished area falls in the catchment area of ​​a lake, hence it is not suitable for living. Demolition was carried out in this context because it was alleged that the residents were living there illegally. The court recorded the arguments and fixed the next hearing of the case for January 22. Meanwhile, officials verified the documents submitted by the residents whose houses were demolished.
The BJP alleged that the Congress-led government wanted to give houses to Bangladeshis and warned that it would fight a legal battle and protest if houses were given to the encroachers.
BJP leaders said that this land belongs to the Kannada people and announced that they will not allow it to be handed over to Bangladeshis. The leaders were holding posters questioning whether houses were not available for local people and how houses could be given to alleged illegal immigrants. The posters also accused the Congress-led government of pursuing appeasement politics.
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