L. Majula

RTI Activist

Karnataka

HRDA has issued an urgent appeal to the National Human Rights Commission of India on 3^rd May regarding the threat, intimidation, mental harassment, and false case filed against the RTI activist Ms. L. Manjula and her family members. She is a physically challenged person who cannot even move without assistance but has been in the forefront of many exposures about corruption and illegal construction.

A multi storied building named SMR ASTRA was constructed in a joint venture. This was signed by violating all rules and regulations and law of the land allegedly in connivance with corrupt Public Servants of various government departments. There are two different approval plans obtained for the same building, and this was informed by Smt. Manjula, was is staying in the neighboring property and is severely affected by the same. Hence, the sanctioned plan for the construction was cancelled after it was brought to the notice of the Commissioner, BBMP. Ms. Manjula filed several complaints against the violation of the sanctioned plan and all her complaints were being ignore by the Assistant Executive Engineer due to pressure from the elected representatives of the area. Ms. Manjula’s information secured under RTI Act exposed huge irregularity, corruption as well as huge revenue loss to the BBMP, BWSSB, BESCOM, Fire Force Authority, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board. She filed a writ petition and the High Court passed an interim order putting a stay on any construction and occupancy of the building.

Despite the order, the AEE and AE have allowed further completion and occupancy. In order to supress and stop the activities of Ms. Manjula, she was threatened by the anti-social elements hired by the builder and owner of the building. Even her mother and brother were threatened with dire consequences. As she continued to fight, a false criminal case was filed against her and her mother and brother. She was arrested along with her mother but was later released. Immense pressure is being bought on to Ms. Manjula intimidating her to withdraw the Writ Petition.

HRDA prayed for thorough investigation and to take immediate actions on the perpetrators of the case.