Karnataka High Court Issues Notice Over Land Transfer at Hebbal Veterinary College
The Karnataka High Court has taken a significant step in a public interest litigation (PIL) concerning the transfer of land on the campus of the Government Veterinary College in Hebbal, Bengaluru. On Friday, the court issued notices to the state government, the college, and the Karnataka Veterinary Animal and Fisheries Science University (KVAFSU) in response to the PIL.
Details of the Land Transfer and Legal Challenge
The PIL was filed by the Karnataka Veterinary Association, Bengaluru Veterinary College Alumni, and two other organizations. They are challenging a government order dated January 8, which directed the transfer of four acres of KVAFSU land situated on the veterinary college campus. This land is intended for the construction of residential quarters for judges of the high court. Additionally, the order transferred another three acres of land for the construction of a super speciality hospital.
The petitioners argue that this transfer and the planned constructions will have a detrimental impact on the research, teaching, and extension activities of the veterinary college. They have expressed serious concerns that it could lead to the de-recognition of the college by the Veterinary Council of India and negatively affect future assessments by the National Agricultural Education Accreditation Board.
Court Proceedings and Next Steps
A division bench comprising Justices DK Singh and TM Nadaf presided over the case. The bench directed the respondents, including the state government and the educational institutions, to file their responses or statements of objections to the writ petition within 10 days. The next date of hearing has been scheduled for March 25.
The petitioners have urged the court to consider a series of representations they submitted in February, highlighting the potential adverse effects of the land transfer. They emphasize that the veterinary college's academic and research functions must be protected from any disruptions caused by such infrastructure projects.
This legal action underscores the ongoing tensions between urban development needs and the preservation of educational institutions' core missions in rapidly growing cities like Bengaluru. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for similar disputes involving land use and institutional integrity in Karnataka.
