In a significant ruling, the Karnataka High Court has instructed the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) to plan the evacuation and demolition of a 15-story building in Platinum City, Peenya, northwest Bengaluru. The order came after the developer, Sheriff Constructions, admitted its inability to dismantle the structure safely.
Justice Suraj Govindaraj, in his November 25 judgment, granted BDA until December 11 to devise a detailed plan for demolishing the illegally constructed “A Wing” of the apartment complex. The Court emphasized compliance with all building regulations.
The developer had previously undertaken to remove only the top floors built without permits. However, it later claimed that partial demolition would endanger the building’s structural integrity. The Court rejected this defense, stating that the entire structure must be razed since no part could be salvaged safely.
Justice Govindaraj held Sheriff Constructions accountable for the losses incurred by homeowners. The developer must compensate residents for the full value of their apartments as of the demolition date, in addition to addressing their inconvenience.
This dispute stems from a 2013 petition where the builder sought occupancy certificates for some blocks, despite lacking an approved building plan. The Court had repeatedly directed the developer to revise plans and rectify violations, but compliance was inadequate.
The case is set for further hearing on December 11.
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