The Karnataka High Court will hear on Thursday a petition filed by Vels Studios and Entertainment Private Limited, the shooting location of the reality show Bigg Boss Kannada, against an order issued by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to close it over alleged violations of pollution norms.
The venue was seized and shut down by Bengaluru South district officials on Tuesday, bringing to a halt the shooting of the twelfth season of the show hosted by actor Kiccha Sudeep. The participants have been shifted to the Eagleton Golf Resort in Bidadi.
A bench consisting of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C M Poonacha will hear the matter.
The petition calls for the KSPCB notice from 2024 to be set aside, also requesting that the board be restrained in the interim from acting upon the notice, dispossessing Vels Studios from its premises.
The issue of the shutdown, which took place after that matter was originally brought before the court, may be raised during the arguments on Thursday. The site is also a tourist destination.
Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre has said the property’s owners had failed to follow norms despite two notices sent last year, further stating that the sewage treatment plant was insufficient and that generators were used without permission.
The KSPCB had stated in a letter that untreated wastewater was being discharged outside the premises (an amusement park) while there was no inflow of sewage to the park’s sewage treatment plant. Solid waste had also been disposed of in the area without segregation. Instructions had also been issued to Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (Bescom) to disconnect the electricity supply.
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Also, Vels Studios has approached the district commissioner seeking 10 days to deal with the issues highlighted by the KSPCB. However, KSPCB Chairman Narendra Swamy said the district administration could not make a decision on the compliance or grant time, as this was a matter concerning the board.