Karnataka HC Pulls Up BBMP For Not Assisting Homeless And Stranded People In Bengaluru

The Karnataka High Court on Thursday pulled up the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike for not putting in systematic efforts to ascertain how many migrants, homeless people and stranded people are on the streets or are squatting on public places such as below the flyovers, in Bengaluru city. To which the bench said, "The report dated 7th April 2020 creates a serious doubt whether there are 13 newly established shelters for migrants, homeless people etc., within the limits of BBMP. Apart from performing the mandatory duties of BBMP under clauses, and of Section 58 of the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act, 1976, by taking measures to protect the citizens who are affected by the calamity, it is also necessary for BBMP to ensure that the migrants, homeless and stranded people who are on the streets or who are squatting on the public property are accommodated in the shelters with a view to ensure that all of them maintain social distancing. Unless the issue of migrant workers, homeless people and people stranded on the streets is properly taken care of, we fail to understand how BBMP will perform its statutory and mandatory duties and functions under clauses,, and of Section 58 of the said Act of 1976." The bench said "The State Government needs to take care by ensuring that masks and sanitizers are made available at the grass-root level in PHCs and other public health facilities."