Bengaluru, July 29: The Karnataka High Court has upheld an earlier judgment in the long-running legal dispute over the Bengaluru–Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC), commonly known as the NICE Project, while dismissing appeals filed by Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE) and the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB). The Court observed that the case is fit for an independent investigation, marking a significant development in one of Karnataka’s most debated infrastructure projects.
The BMIC project, conceived to provide a high-speed corridor between Bengaluru and Mysuru along with township development, has been mired in legal disputes and allegations relating to land acquisition, implementation, and compliance with the framework agreement for more than two decades. The prolonged litigation has delayed completion of the project and affected thousands of landowners and commuters.
In its ruling, the High Court affirmed the findings of a single-judge bench and rejected the appeals challenging that decision. The division bench stated that the circumstances surrounding the execution of the project warranted an impartial investigation, indicating that unresolved issues concerning the project’s implementation deserved closer scrutiny by an independent agency.
The judgment represents a setback for both NICE and KIADB, as it reinforces judicial concerns over the manner in which the project has progressed over the years. Legal experts believe the ruling could pave the way for a comprehensive examination of decisions taken during the planning and execution of the corridor project.
The Bengaluru–Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor remains one of Karnataka’s largest and most controversial infrastructure initiatives. The latest High Court decision is expected to have significant implications for the future of the project, pending any further legal proceedings or appeals before higher courts.
