Former Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagar Palike commissioner and senior IAS officer M Lakshminarayana is in trouble following legal action taken against him by residents of Bengaluru for violating building norms in approving a hotel.
The hotel is said to be co-owned by Pranav, son of ex-Infosys CEO Mohandas Pai.
Residents Welfare Association of Koramangala III block, backed by Namma Bengaluru Foundation, approached the High Court, along with documents and sought `sanction for prosecution' against Lakshminarayana under sections of IPC and Prevention of Corruption Act, reported Bangalore Mirror.
High Court has ordered the Urban Development Department to conduct an enquiry in the case before May 19.
According to BM, the inquiry notice letter sent out on behalf of the Governor by the UDD on May 12 to Namma Bengaluru Foundation, says: “This is with regard to the HC order in respect of writ petition filed against former BBMP commissioner M Lakshminarayana who approved a commercial outlet in a residential area against zonal regulations. The petitioners sought action against him under certain sections of the IPC, CrPC and Prevention of Corruption Act. Acting on the high court's order, the additional chief secretary, UD, has called for an inquiry on May 19 and filing of written statements.''
The then commission had approved the trade licence for 154 Breakfast Club in a residential area where commercial activities are not allowed according to BDA’s Masterplan 2015. He had fastracked the health license application and it was completed in just two months, reported BM.
A personal note allegedly made by Lakshminarayana on the file on December 1, 2014 was found. It said: “Please help in getting trade licence”. The licence was sanctioned in four days, on December 5, with the area health officer making a note that the licence was issued “as per directions from the BBMP commissioner“.