Hearing on a public interest litigation on regulating protest rallies filed by writers Shudra Srinivas, K Marulasiddappa and advocate Amaranath, the divisional bench comprising Justice Bannurmath and Gopala Gowda stated that the court will also think of constituting a monitoring committee to file a report on regulating protests.
Based on the report the court will ask the State government to take up required measures. Justice Bannurmath said the court would not object to holding peaceful protests. According to the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) loss of public property caused during a protest should be borne by the organiser. Had the police implemented the legislation effectively there was no necessary to discuss on regulation of protests. The bench also suggested that cameras should be placed on the route of protest rally to identify hooligans who involve in violent activities. The court adjourned the hearing to February 26.
CBI inquiry
A public interest litigation was filed in the High Court seeking CBI inquiry into affairs of Crown Plaza International Hotel’s owner Joseph Chacko, who allegedly involved in 22 criminal cases. Admitting the petition the divisional Bench comprising chief justice Cyriac Joseph and Justice B V Nagarathna ordered for notices to Government of Karnataka, Secretary of Home Department and CBI.
Athina Township Welfare Association, in its PIL, has alleged that the businessman had cheated many non-resident Indians to the tune of Rs 35 crore. Chacko by giving an advertisement in media attracted investments for his hotel business in Bangalore and assured the investors that they would get share in the profit. Later he cheated the investors, it alleged.
MCI membership
The High Court has directed the State government to produce records of recommending Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology director Dr C N Manjunath for membership of Indian Medical Council, before the court.
The divisional Bench comprising chief justice Cyriac Joseph and Justice B V Nagarathna gave this direction while hearing an appeal, filed by Dr M G Bandelkar, questioning the single judge bench’s denial to stay recommendation of Dr Manjunath’s name for MCI membership.  Dr Bandelkar in his appeal alleged that the State government has recommended Manjunath’s name without taking Central Government’s consent. Moreover, the governor was not consulted before his name was recommended. 
Plea dismissed
The HC quashed a petition questioning the State government’s notification on acquisition of land in CV Raman Nagar for Electronic Radar Development Establishments (ELRDE). Petitioner B N Hanuma Reddy had sought cancellation of the notification stating many people have been residing at the place for centuries and acquisition of the land would make them landless. Justice K L Manjunath said that project is necessary for nation’s growth and acquisition is inevitable.
Compensation
The HC directed the State government to pay compensation to those who parted with their land for Trumpet Interchange near International Airport in Devanahalli. Ravi Agarval, a resident of the locality, had filed a petition seeking compensation for acquisition of 24 guntas of land. Justice Ashok B Hinchigeri ordered for providing compensation as per market value.