1 month ago
Karnataka HC Calls BMIC Project Potential Scam
The Karnataka High Court has criticized the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC) project, calling it a potential scam.
The court noted that farmers were not compensated for their land, which was taken for the project.
NICE, the company behind the project, has been accused of commercializing the land for personal gain instead of completing the expressway and townships as planned.
The court suggested an independent audit of NICE's accounts and questioned why the state government had not reviewed or canceled the project despite its failures.
NICE argued that the land acquisition process was valid, but the court dismissed their appeals, emphasizing the need for timely compensation to landowners.
The Karnataka High Court criticized the BMIC project, suggesting a forensic audit of NICE's accounts.
Farmers were not compensated for their land, violating Article 300A of the Constitution.
NICE has constructed only about 5 km of the planned 111-km expressway over 25 years.
The court dismissed NICE's appeals, emphasizing the need for timely compensation to landowners.
Critics argue the project has not benefited the public and has been commercially exploited by NICE.
- Who
- Karnataka High Court, Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE), Landowners
- What
- Criticism and legal challenges against the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC) project
- Where
- Karnataka, India
- When
- Court hearing and observations made on Wednesday (specific date not mentioned)
- Why
- Allegations of land acquisition without compensation and project delays
Landowners and Critics
NICE and Government
Land Acquisition and Compensation
Landowners and Critics
Landowners argue that they were not compensated for their land, violating Article 300A of the Constitution.
NICE and Government
NICE contends that once final acquisition notifications were issued and possession taken, ownership vested absolutely with the state.
Project Completion and Public Benefit
Landowners and Critics
Critics claim the project has not benefited the public and has been commercially exploited by NICE.
NICE and Government
NICE argues that the project is ongoing and has faced delays due to various factors.
Key facts
- Project Name
- Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC)
- Project Proponent
- Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE)
- Project Start Year
- 1995
- Project Completion Timeframe
- 10 years (scheduled)
- Current Status
- Only about 5 km of the core expressway constructed
- Court's Observation
- Suggested an independent forensic audit of NICE's accounts
- Legal Basis
- Article 300A of the Constitution of India
Quotes
Karnataka High Court Division Bench
Justice D K Singh and Justice T M Nadaf, judges of the Karnataka High Court
“It appears that this BMICP may be one of the biggest scam in the State of Karnataka and it demonstrates how a State, which is the trustee of the natural resources on behalf of the citizens, can allow the private interest to flourish in utter violation of the constitutional mandate”
news18.com
“There is nothing nice about the NICE project, except that farmers have been robbed of their lands and livelihood of generations without payment of compensation as mandated under Article 300A of the Constitution of India.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
Related news
Kumaraswamy Asks Karnataka Government to Take Over NICE, Stop Tolls
Kumaraswamy urges Karnataka to take over NICE Road, scrap toll
JD(S) Demands NICE Toll Ban and BMICP Takeover
Karnataka travel operators seek toll suspension, inquiry into NICE–BMICP project
Karnataka Governor Suggests Using Unused NICE Land for Bidadi Township
Kumaraswamy Renews Call to Boycott NICE Road Tolls
