LAKSHMI VENKATESHWARA KALLU Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This Public Interest Litigation has been filed seeking the following reliefs:

(2.) Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the people belonging to Bhovi (Scheduled Caste) community from Meesaganahalli village, Karahalli Grama Panchayath, Kundana Hobli, Bengaluru Rural District, are involved in traditional stone cutting work from time immemorial. They have been doing the work of stone crushing in Sy.No.75 to an extent of 28 acres which belongs to the State Government. It is submitted that the State Government shall protect the people belonging to Bhovi community who are involved in traditional stone cutting work which is meant for building construction.

(3.) Learned Additional Government Advocate, on the other hand, submits that quarry lease or licence is required for doing such work on the Government land. Unless quarry lease or licence is granted, nobody can be allowed to involve themselves in stone cutting work.