Alleged 72% deviation from sanctioned plan; complainants move HC after years of inaction
Bengaluru: A controversial commercial building in Basavanagudi, accused of large-scale violations of civic norms, is on the brink of demolition as the Karnataka High Court is set to deliver its order in the coming days. The structure, popularly known as the Fateh Building on Kariyappa Road, has been under scrutiny for nearly five years following complaints of significant deviations from the sanctioned plan.
Civic records and complaints accessed by this newspaper indicate that the building allegedly exceeds permissible limits by nearly 72 per cent. The basement, sources claim, was constructed without approval. Despite repeated representations by social activists and local residents, action from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) remained slow, prompting complainants to escalate the matter to the High Court.
The case has now reached the final stage of hearing, with the court reserving its order. Legal observers say that given the High Court’s consistent stance against illegal constructions in the city, the outcome could set another precedent reinforcing accountability among both builders and civic officials.
A Pattern of Delay
The building’s owner, Dinesh Bora, is alleged to have constructed multiple properties across the city with deviations from approved plans. In the Basavanagudi case, the BBMP had earlier issued notices and even passed demolition orders. However, enforcement did not follow immediately.
According to documents cited by the complainants, procedural lapses and legal challenges stalled action. At one stage, a stay order from a lower court halted demolition proceedings. Petitioners have alleged that critical High Court directions were not fully disclosed during earlier litigation, though this claim remains subject to judicial determination.
When the complainants once again approached the High Court, the matter was revived. During hearings, the court reportedly reiterated that local authorities are empowered — and obligated — to act against unauthorised constructions in accordance with law.
Pressure and Counter-Pressure
As the verdict nears, tensions have escalated. Individuals associated with the complainants allege attempts to dissuade them from pursuing the case. They maintain that they are prepared to see the legal battle through to its conclusion.
Urban planning experts note that Basavanagudi, one of Bengaluru’s oldest residential localities, has witnessed increasing commercial pressure in recent years. “Deviation cases are not isolated incidents. The real issue is enforcement,” said a former town planning official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Bank Tenancy Under Scrutiny
Complicating the matter further is the tenancy of a private bank branch operating from the premises. The building houses an ICICI Bank outlet. Banking officials, when contacted, declined to comment on the pending litigation but indicated that the institution would act in accordance with legal requirements.
If demolition is ordered, relocation of the branch could affect customers and operations in the short term. Legal experts point out that tenants in disputed structures often find themselves collateral damage in regulatory disputes.
A Test Case for Enforcement
Bengaluru has long struggled with unauthorised constructions, often attributed to weak oversight and prolonged litigation. The High Court, in multiple orders over the years, has emphasised the need for strict enforcement and warned civic authorities against selective action.
With the Fateh Building case now at the order stage, the spotlight is once again on the BBMP’s commitment to implementing court directives without delay. Whether this case marks a turning point in tackling illegal constructions — or becomes another episode in the city’s long saga of regulatory evasion — will become clear once the court pronounces its verdict.
For now, the building stands — but perhaps not for long.
