Compensate pothole victims: Karnataka High Court

Bengaluru: Good roads are a fundamental right of a citizen and the BBMP should provide compensation to citizens who suffer any loss or damage due to potholes and poor condition of roads in Bengaluru, the Karnataka High Court has ordered.

The division bench, headed by Chief Justice A.S. Oka, was hearing a PIL related to the pothole menace in the city.

Putting the onus on the Palike for accidents caused due to such circumstances, the court said that if any citizen makes any representation claiming loss or damage, it shall consider and award reasonable compensation to the affected. It also made it clear that the Palike will award compensation after getting satisfied with such claims.

“After all, citizens are taxpayers and the life of taxpayers is not so cheap," the court observed.

The court asked the Palike to facilitate filing of complaints through its official website or mobile application. Once the complaint is filed the Palike should take immediate action and file an action taken report with 'before and after' photographs on the status of the road.

It is the duty of the Palike to make sure that the roads are well maintained and they are walkable and motorable, the court said, adding that that traffic police should bring potholes and bad condition of roads to the notice of the Palike. Ward committees too should monitor road works, it said.

The court adjourned the hearing, while asking the Palike to file its compliance report.