Updated: January 2, 2026

Three residents of Bengaluru’s Wasim Colony and Fakir Colony have approached the Karnataka High Court through a public interest litigation (PIL), challenging the state government’s recent demolition drive that displaced hundreds of families. The petition alleges violations of Supreme Court guidelines on eviction procedures and seeks compensation, rehabilitation, and medical care for affected residents.

Who Filed the Petition

The petitioners—Jaiba Tabassum, Rehana, and Arif Begum—were among the residents displaced when authorities demolished over 300 homes in the two colonies located in Kogilu Layout. They contend that the demolition was carried out without prior notice or consultation, causing severe hardship to families, especially children attending nearby government schools.

According to the PIL, belongings of displaced families, including textbooks, uniforms, hall tickets, and other essential items, were destroyed during the bulldozer operations.

Alleged Violation of Supreme Court Guidelines

The petitioners cited the Supreme Court’s directives that eviction actions must follow specific procedures:

• Authorities must issue show-cause notices to residents
• A minimum 15-day period must be given for residents to respond before any eviction
• Bulldozer operations should not proceed without prior written notice

The petitioners allege that these guidelines were ignored, leaving residents without adequate time to protect their property or arrange alternate accommodation.

Relief Sought

The PIL requests the High Court to:

1. Provide immediate rehabilitation or alternative accommodation for displaced families, preferably within a five-kilometre radius of their original homes, following a proper survey
2. Compensate families for their demolished homes and lost belongings
3. Ensure medical treatment for any individuals injured during the eviction process

Government Response

State Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh responded to criticism from the opposition BJP, which claimed that 400 displaced families were awaiting rehousing. He clarified that after a survey by the urban development and social welfare departments, only 90 families were found eligible for rehousing.

“Only those who are local residents and genuine beneficiaries will be considered. Housing will not be given to outsiders or ineligible persons,” Suresh said, emphasizing that the Siddaramaiah-led government operates without discrimination based on caste, class, or community.

He added, “Eligible families from all communities who have been living in the Kogilu area for many years will be provided houses.”

Background

The demolitions in Wasim and Fakir colonies were part of a government drive targeting alleged encroachments in the area. While the authorities claimed the action was necessary to reclaim public land, residents have argued that the move was abrupt, leaving them homeless and deprived of essential belongings.

The PIL has yet to be listed for hearing, and its outcome could have wider implications for eviction practices and procedural safeguards for residents in urban areas across Karnataka.