Reported by: Amareshanna Kamanakeri
Vijayapura: The Karnataka High Court has directed the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) to examine a representation challenging the allotment of 100 acres of land in Mulawad Industrial Area Phase-II to M/s Reliance Consumer Products Limited and take an appropriate decision within eight weeks, in accordance with the law.
The direction was issued by a Division Bench comprising Justice Anu Shivaram and Justice K.S. Bharat Kumar while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by social activist Malaghan Basavaraj, a resident of Agarkhed village in Indi taluk of Vijayapura district.
Appearing for the petitioner, advocate Saraswati contended that the land allotted to Reliance Consumer Products Limited violated the prescribed roster system meant for Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), minority communities, backward classes, persons with disabilities and ex-servicemen entrepreneurs.
•“I have filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the Karnataka High Court regarding the alleged violation of roster norms, including those applicable to SC/ST and other reserved categories, in the allotment of 100 acres of land to Reliance in Mulawad Industrial Area Phase-II.
I am confident that justice will be delivered in view of the directions issued by the High Court. I believe that social justice and compliance with the prescribed rules will be ensured in the land allotment process.”
*Malaghan Basavaraj
Social Activist
Agarkhed Village, Indi Taluk, Vijayapura District
The petitioner alleged that 100 acres of land reserved under the roster provisions in Mulawad Industrial Area Phase-II was illegally allotted to the company on October 24, 2025, and sought cancellation of the allotment.
Opposing the allegations, Advocate General for the State, K. Shashikiran Shetty, submitted before the court that the reservation norms, including the 24 per cent land reservation for SC and ST categories, were being maintained. He assured the court that the representation submitted by the petitioner would be examined and appropriate action would be taken as per law.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the High Court directed the Chief Executive Officer of KIADB to consider the representation submitted by the petitioner on August 5, 2026, regarding the land allotment and pass a suitable order within eight weeks.
The court disposed of the PIL with the above directions.
