Removing hurdles in way of the construction of Bangalore-Mysore Expressway, the Supreme Court on 13 December 2005, allowed the Karnataka Road Development Corporation (promoter of the project) to sell, alienate or mortgage lands in its possession for the execution of the Rs.2,250 crore project.

Out of the total 20,193 acres of land earmarked for the project, 2,450 acres had been declared surplus by the government.

A bench comprising Ms Justice Ruma Pal, Mr. Justice Arijit Pasayat, and Mr. Justice B N Srikrishna, thereby modified its 18 July 2005 order where by Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE) was allowed to go-ahead with the project without alienating the land in its possession.

The apex court, which had initially stayed a Karnataka High Court order pertaining to the project, had on 18 July 2005, allowed work on the four-lane Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC) project as per the 11 January 2005, high Court order by which the NICE was directed not to alienate the land in any manner.

The bench however clarified that the sale or mortgage will be subject to the outcome of the appeal before the court. While selling or mortgage of lands, NICE should include the clause in the deed/agreement that the transfer will be subject to the orders of this court in the pending appeal.

The bench, thereafter posted the matter for final hearing on 10 January 2005.

Also See:

Bangalore-Mysore Expressway Project: HC upholds original design (04-May-05)