In a notable development, the Belagavi City Corporation has decided to return land in Shahpur to its original owners. This land, previously acquired for road construction under the Smart City scheme from Bank of India to Old PB Road, has led to a pending ₹20 crore compensation case that has taken a new turn. The High Court’s Dharwad Bench, which is dealing with a contempt petition related to this matter, will hear the case again on September 18.
Instead of paying substantial compensation, the Corporation has proposed to return the land. During a recent court session, the judge requested that the landowners’ lawyers provide their views on this proposal. The landowners indicated their willingness to accept the land back along with any owed compensation. The court has mandated the presence of the Belagavi City Commissioner at the next hearing, where the Corporation is expected to present an affidavit formalizing its decision.
This decision follows public opposition to the ₹20 crore payout. Social activist Sujit Mulgund has advocated for returning the land to its original owners, a stance now adopted by the Corporation. A local initiative named “Save Belagavi Corporation” has also gained momentum, pushing for a resolution that avoids costly compensation.
Returning the land would not only negate the ₹20 crore compensation but also affect other land acquisitions related to the same road project. Should the court approve the return, the road segment from Bank of India Corner to Old Dharwad Road may be closed.
The Corporation’s legal team has pointed out procedural faults in the road’s construction, arguing that it was built without appropriate intervention or clearance from local or state authorities. The High Court has criticized the use of private land for public roads without proper acquisition, likening it to “robbery.”
The upcoming court hearing will determine whether the land will indeed be returned or if the compensation claim will remain.
