Criticising the BBMP for its ‘naming and shaming’ drive to collect
property tax from Wipro, the High Court on Thursday chided the Palike
for its laxity in responding to objections.

Justice H G Ramesh
said, “In the 21st century, you (BBMP) behave in an uncivilised manner
by beating drums in front of their office. However when it comes to your
response to their objections, you hardly file anything and seek more
time to respond.” He further observed, “They (Wipro) are asking for
breakups of tax figures and are ready to sign a cheque for the tax dues
at your office. But you (BBMP) are unable to properly argue the matter
and only respond with a few lines as your response. And you want `16.47
crore from them.”

The Court made the scathing statements after the
BBMP’s counsel sought two weeks time to respond on the grounds that the
Palike was holding a meeting on the matter. The Court extended the
earlier stay order granted till December 10.

The BBMP had earlier
threatened legal action against Wipro, claiming it owed `16.47 crore in
property tax dues. It had issued notices to the company warning of
seizure of its properties for tax evasion.

Soon after this, Wipro
filed a petition claiming it had been defamed by the BBMP’s drum beating
campaign in front of its offices over tax evasion charges and sought
breakups of tax figures.

‘Clear TG Halli of Polluting Units’

The
High Court on Thursday asked the state government to prepare an action
plan to close down industrial units and godowns in the protected
Tippagondanahalli reservoir catchment area.

Justice A N Venugopala
Gowda passed the order on a batch of petitions seeking implementation
of the state government’s November 2003 notification on maintenance of
greenery in the catchment area. The reservoir supplies water to the
northern parts of Bangalore. The court said the government should hold a
meeting with all departments concerned, including BESCOM, to clear the
catchment area of encroachments and polluting units.

The
petitioners had contended that river Arkavathi will be polluted if no
steps were taken to close the units. The water level at the reservoir
has gone down because of the encroachments, and Bangalore will lose a
major source of drinking water if the area is not protected, petitioners
had submitted.