Authority: High Court of Karnataka at Bengaluru
Order Date: 13 August 2026
Case Overview
- Petitioners: (1) M/S. DHRUVIJA NISARGA PARTNERSHIP FIRM, represented by partner SRI. M.R. Narasimhamurthy; (2) Smt. Shashikala N, represented by power‑of‑attorney holder MANDAKINI CONSTRUCTIONS PRIVATE LIMITED, represented by its director SRI. M.R. Narasimhamurthy.
- Respondents: (1) State of Karnataka, Department of Urban Development; (2) Bangalore Development Authority (BDA); (3) Town Planning Member, BDA.
- Nature of proceeding: Writ petition under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution seeking a mandamus directing the respondents to approve the layout plan filed by petitioner No. 2 on 16 April 2026, or alternatively to consider the application promptly.
- Background: Petitioners previously filed an application for layout plan approval on 12 September 2025, which remained unapproved for nearly three months. They obtained a prior order (W.P. No.38801/2025, dated 19 January 2026) directing the respondents to pass appropriate orders, which was not complied with. A modified layout plan application was filed on 16 April 2026, and the respondents have not acted within the statutory period.
- Legal provision cited: Section 15 of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act, 1961, which mandates the Town Planning Member to communicate a decision within three months of receipt of acknowledgment; failure to do so deems the plan approved, subject to conformity with the master plan.
Final Outcome
- The Court allowed the petition and directed the Town Planning Member (respondent No. 3) to consider the application dated 16 April 2026 within one month from the date of this order (13 August 2026). If the application is not considered within that period, the plan shall be deemed approved under Section 15(2) of the Act, allowing the petitioners to proceed with formation of the layout in accordance with law.
Topics: Regulatory Compliance, Urban Planning