The Karnataka High Court on Friday [August 14] directed the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to file an affidavit detailing the mechanism adopted by the civic body to tackle the perennial pothole menace in the city, after the counsel for BBMP submitted that 10,202 potholes have been identified and repaired from April 2026 till date.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice K.S Hemalekha was hearing a public interest litigation filed in 2015 by Vijayan Menon, seeking directions for filling up potholes on major and arterial roads in Bengaluru and removing encroachments on storm water drains.

The Court directed the BBMP to file an affidavit indicating the road repair mechanism in place.

The affidavit to be submitted would include the mechanism adopted every year to deal with the problem of potholes, steps taken to fix and minimize dilapidated roads, and comprehensive details of potholes identified and repaired.

Additionally, the Court directed the State Government Advocate to take instructions on the number of FIRs registered in cases of deaths and injuries caused by potholes.

When the court asked BBMP about the timeline for filling up the potholes, the counsel for the BBMP informed the court that it is an ongoing process.

Even on an earlier occasion on June 2, 2025, the Karnataka High Court had directed the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to file affidavit indicating the mechanism adopted by it every year to deal with the problem of potholes and to maintain good condition of roads to enable smooth pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

Earlier, in September 2024, the petitioners had argued that there should be a comprehensive policy for repairs of roads. It was submitted that though on paper they (BBMP) have said that they have scientific methods but on ground they are not doing it.

The earlier reports filed on behalf of the respondent-Bruhath Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) do not disclose the latest position in terms of the steps taken by BBMP to deal with the issue of dilapidated roads and potholes, the court had noted a year ago.

The prayers in this public interest litigation are all based on the grievance that the condition of roads in the city of Bengaluru is worse and no steps are taken by the authorities to fill up the potholes. The petitioner also highlights the requirement of certain specific methods for long term solution of the issue of potholes in the city.

The PIL, filed in 2015, prays for several directions, including making available work contracts for road construction and maintenance on BBMP's website. One of the prayers seek recommendations on technology and materials from the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) before undertaking pothole repairs, along with establishing a mechanism for disbursement of compensation to victims of road accidents caused by potholes

The petitioner also seeks a direction to formulate a policy for awarding contracts based on quality of previous work, past experience, competence, and financial capacity of contractors.

One of the other prayers in the petition is with regard to disbursement of compensation to the victims of road accidents due to potholes, and to have a mechanism regarding details of payment of compensation.

Case Title: Vijayan Menon v. Secretary Urban Development Department

Case No: WP 42927/2015