*Karnataka HC Issues Notice to State on Plea Against Greater Bengaluru Governance Act*

Quick Summary:

• The Karnataka High Court has issued notice to the State government and State Election Commission (SEC) on a PIL challenging the constitutional validity of the Greater Bengaluru Governance (GBG) Act, 2024.
• The PIL was filed by Kannada film director T.S. Nagabharana and three others.
• Petitioners alleged that BBMP elections have not been held since 2015, violating constitutional provisions despite the elected body’s term expiring five years ago.
• Section 9 of the GBG Act establishes a Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), with powers over city corporations, chaired by the Chief Minister alongside other ministers and officials as ex-officio members.
• Petitioners argued that GBA’s structure is unconstitutional under India’s 74th Amendment, which mandates local self-governance thru elected representatives.
• The petition claims that GBA’s control over taxes, infrastructure projects, and model bye-laws undermines powers meant for democratic city corporations.

indian Opinion Analysis:

The challenge raised against Karnataka’s GBG Act underscores foundational questions about constitutional adherence and administrative transparency. By transferring meaningful decision-making authority from democratic city corporations to an appointed body like GBA, there could be diminished accountability in grassroots governance mechanisms outlined under India’s 74th Constitutional Amendment. Moreover, delays in BBMP elections highlight an ongoing concern regarding electoral rights and effective urban administration within Bengaluru.

While well-intentioned reforms can streamline decision-making for complex infrastructure needs in metropolitan areas like Bengaluru, structures must remain aligned with core principles of decentralization to preserve public trust. Ultimately, this legal contest has potential implications not only for urban governance but also broader debates about balancing centralized control against local self-rule within India’s federal framework.

Read more: Published – July 21, 2025