Pramesh S Jain & Yogesh K Porwar
Karnataka Lokayukta has taken suo moto cognisance of 23-year-old Bhanu Rekha drowned inside the car stuck in water logged KR Circle underpass on May 21.
The Lokayukta Directed the Inspector General of Police, Lokayukta to investigate the matter and probe the report against the eight officials of the BBMP including the Chief Commissioner,Zonal Commissioner, Executive engineer and others and submit the report on on before June 5 2023.
In his order issued on Tuesday Lokayukta Justice BS Patil said that BBMP has entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring proper maintenance of the drains for free flow of water.But prima facie,there has been negligence on part of the officials concerned .
Every citizen living within the municipal area have right to have roads maintained in reasonable condition,which is part of the fundamental right guaranteed under article 21 of the constitution.
It is well settled that right to life means quality of life guaranteed under article 21,create obligation and duty of the state and the authorities concerned to provide civic amenities .
The municipal authorities should maintain roads and footpaths to provide pollution free and obstruction free movements on roads and footpath.
Citing observation made by the High court of Maharastra in a judgement in a suo motu case dates May 2015,the fundamental right create corresponding obligation in all the authorities of the state .
Infringement of the fundamental rights,a citizen can demand compensation apart from seeking enforcement of the right to get grievances redressed , the order stated .
The BBMP collect tax from public to provide corresponding facilities and to make the lives of the citizen comfortable and hassel free,while the objective of the Lokayukta is to ensure good governance and prevent maladministration .
The negligence on part of the authorities concerned has necessitate to implead them as parties in all the proceedings, the order stated .
The Lokayukta officials have issued the notices to the officials concerned to question them .
