Karnataka High Court Directs State To Consider Plea By Bhovi Community To Continue Traditional Stone Cutting Work On Govt Land Without License

The Karnataka High Court has directed the state government to consider the representation to be made by members of the Bhovi Community, who are involved in traditional stone cutting work and take an appropriate decision in accordance with law, in respect of allowing them to continue their work in Meesaganahalli village.A division bench of Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi and Justice Ashok S Kinagi while disposing of the petition filed by Lakshi Venkateshwara Kallu Kutukara Bhovi Shakhara Sangha, said,"The writ petition, as such, is disposed of at this stage with liberty to the petitioner to raise their grievance by way of a representation before respondent No.1 within a period of ten days from today. In case any such representation is made by the petitioner, it is directed that respondent No.1—the Secretary, Department of Mines and Geology, Bengaluru, shall consider and decide the same in accordance with law expeditiously. The decision so taken shall be communicated to the petitioner."The petitioners had approached the court seeking a direction to the authorities to consider the representations dated 9-05-2022 and for referring the matter to conduct any enquiry to find out the social and economic status and the traditional work carried out by the Bhovi community in Meesaganahalli village in accordance with law.Advocate Shankarappa appearing for the petitioner had submitted that the people belonging to Bhovi (Scheduled Caste) community from Meesaganahalli village, Karahalli Grama Panchayath, Kundana Hobli, Bengaluru Rural District, are involved in traditional stone cutting work from time immemorial. They have been doing the work of stone crushing in Sy.No.75 to an extent of 28 acres which belongs to the State Government. Further, the State Government shall protect the people belonging to the Bhovi community who are involved in traditional stone cutting work which is meant for building construction.The Additional Government Advocate opposed the plea saying quarry lease or licence is required for doing such work on the Government land. Unless quarry lease or licence is granted, nobody can be allowed to involve themselves in stone cutting work.Following which the court said,"Since the matter relates to the people belonging to a particular community—Bhovi community, we feel it appropriate that the State Government may consider their grievances and take appropriate decisions in accordance with law."Case Title: Lakshi Venkateshwara Kallu Kutukara Bhovi Shakhara Sangha v. The State Of KarnatakaCase No: WP 11537/2022Citation: 2022 LiveLaw (Kar) 219Date of Order: June 16, 2022Appearance: Advocate Shankarrappa for petitioner; AGA S S Mahendra for respondentsClick Here To Read/Download Order

Karnataka High Court Directs State To Consider Plea By Bhovi Community To Continue Traditional Stone Cutting Work On Govt Land Without License

Mustafa Plumber

Tags