Bengaluru: The high court Friday ordered a notice to the state govt and the principal chief conservator of forest, Karnataka, in a petition filed by Rana George, son of energy minister KJ George, challenging what he said were restrictions imposed on accessing his immoveable properties in Shambhugowdanahalli and Lakkasoge villages, Saraguru hobli, HD Kote taluk, adjoining Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary, in Mysuru district.
Justice Hemant Chandanagoudar also ordered notice to the assistant conservator of forest, Hadiyal, Nanjangud taluk.
The petitioner argued that he is entitled to access the said property. According to him, a time-based restriction, i.e., providing access only between 6am to 6pm, is violative of the statutory exception provided under Section 27(1)(c) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. He added that the restriction of entry between 6 pm to 6 am also infringes upon his right to move freely, as provided under Article 19(1)(c) of the Constitution of India.
There is no permanent access to the property in question except the forest road. An alternative road exists, which cannot be accessed during the monsoon or when the water level in the Nugu reservoir rises beyond 100 feet. "As such, there is no choice, but to rely on the forest road if I want to access my property. I have ensured that the property is used solely for personal purposes and have taken every precaution to minimise any impact on the ecological balance of the sanctuary. The authorities have failed to consider the same," Rana George further stated, while requesting the court's intervention in the matter.