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Farmers protest land acquisition for Haraluru industrial area in Karnataka

Reported by

Bhanu Shridharan

Legal Review by

Anmol Gupta, Mukta Joshi

Edited by

Radhika Chatterjee

Updated by

Published on

February 2, 2023

February 3, 2023

Edited on

February 2, 2023

State

Karnataka

Sector

Industry

People Affected by Conflict

1867

Households Affected by Conflict

387

Land Area Affected (in Hectares)

719

ha

Starting Year

2021

Location of Conflict

Devanahalli Taluk

Channarayapatna, Nallappanahalli, Muddenahalli, Cheemachanahalli, Haraluru, Polanahalli, Palya, Nalluru, Mattabarlu, Mallepura, Hyadala, Gokare Bacchenahalli and Thellohalli.

Bengaluru Rural

Reason or Cause of Conflict

Industrial Park

Extension of Haralur Industrial Park

Land Conflict Summary

The Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) has issued a notice to landholders in the Devanahalii Taluka, Bengaluru Rural district, informing them of the body’s intention to acquire 1777 acres of agricultural land for Haraluru Industrial Area. However, the landholders, primarily farmers, oppose the move as they claim it will render them landless and impact their livelihoods.

According to media reports, the land is intended for the second phase of the Haraluru Industrial Estate Park, a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the region set up in 2018 to encourage a range of manufacturing industries including aerospace and defence technologies. KIADB has not disclosed the exact nature of industries or the amount of investment planned in the region.

The Gazette acquisition notice was first published in August 2021 and individual landowners received notices between December 2021 and January 2022. A total of 1777.29 acres of land from 13 villages were listed by the KIADB in these notices. Approximately 1287 families are likely to be affected by this acquisition, out of which 387 families are landless.

Pramod Kumar, a resident of Pollanahalli village, while speaking to LCW, stated that over 70 percent of those hit with acquisition notices were opposing the move. “We are farmers and this is our main occupation. The land is our only source of livelihood for most of us,” said Pramod.

Farmers in the region grow a mix of cash crops like vegetables, flowers, silk mulberry, and millets like ragi. Affected farmers also have small poultry farms and cattle holding. “My father has raised and educated us through his income from farming. We do not want to give up this occupation,” said Harshan Gowda, a twenty year old student from the region to LCW.

The KIADB had already acquired several thousand acres during the first phase of the Haraluru Industrial Area but had not yet used the land. Neither have they provided compensation for the lands so acquired during the first phase of the project. This is making farmers unwilling to part with more land.

Initially farmers registered their objection through letters to the District Commissioner and various political leaders including the Chief Minister, explained Pramod. Seeing no change in the government stance, farmers in the region began an indefinite protest from April 2022, which included tractor rallies, dharnas and silent protests in Devanahalli, and in Bengaluru city.

The protests have been going on since April 2022. On 15th August, 71 individuals were arrested when a protest had been planned in Devanahalli town. The Devanahalli police allege that the protestors were disrupting Independence Day celebrations and flag hoisting and violating the Karnataka High Court order to protest only in Freedom Park in Bengaluru. An FIR was also filed against them. Protestors on the other hand allege that the police began arresting protestors from their camp and homes at 4 am well before any protest could occur. They also accuse the police of heavy handedness and violence.

Fact Sheet

Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

Refusal to give up land for the project

Demand to get back acquired land

Demand for compensation

Complaint against procedural violations

Other Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

Region Classification

Rural

Type of Land

Private

Type of Common Land

What was the action taken by the police?

Arrest

How many people did the police detain or arrest?

72

What is the current status of the detained/accused persons?

Released from arrest

Did the person face any violence while in police custody?

Yes

Did the person face any violence while in police custody?

Yes

If any arrests took place, were the accused persons produced before a judge within 24 hours of the arrest?

No, they were not produced before a magistrate at all

If the accused was not produced before a magistrate within 24 hours, or not produced at all, what were the reasons?

Released on the same day after FIR filed

Legislation under which the accused was charged

IPC 1860

(Sections 188, 283, 290, 291).

Was the accused person informed of their right to legal representation? Did the accused person have access to legal aid?

Neither were they informed, nor did they have access

In cases where the accused person approached the court for bail, was bail granted?

Why was bail granted or rejected? If granted, what were the bail conditions and quantum of bail?

Were there any other notable irregularities that took place, or other significant details?

Details of sources (names of accused, names and numbers of any lawyers, names of any police officers contacted)

Same as main source. Also FIR.

Status of Project

Original Project Deadline

Whether the Project has been Delayed

Significance of Land to Land Owners/Users

Agricultural land, Residential area

Whether the project was stalled due to land conflict

Source/Reference

Total investment involved (in Crores):

Type of investment:

Year of Estimation

Page Number In Investment Document:

Has the Conflict Ended?

No

When did it end?

Why did the conflict end?

Legal Data

Categories of Legislations Involved in the Conflict

Legislations/Policies Involved

Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Act, 1966
Section 3 [Provision empowering state government to declare any area an industrial area]; Section 28 [Process by which state government can acquire land for the purpose of development by the Board, including ensuring that the owner of land is granted an opportunity to be heard]; Section 30 [Provisions of the central Land Acquisition Act to apply for apportionment of compensation]
Special Economic Zones Act, 2005
Section 5 [Guidelines for the Union government to notify Special Economic Zones include generation of economic activity and development of infrastructure ability]; Section 31 [Provisions empowering Union government to appoint authorities to acquire, hold and dispose of property]
Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013
  1. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  2. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  3. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  4. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  5. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  6. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  7. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Whether claims/objections were made as per procedure in the relevant statute

What was the claim(s)/objection(s) raised by the community?

What was the Decision of the Concerned Government Department?

Legal Processes and Loopholes Enabling the Conflict:

Controversial land acquisition by the government

Delay in compensation

Non-consultation with stakeholders

Non-implementation/violation of LARR Act

Legal Status:

Out of Court

Status of Case In Court

Whether any adjudicatory body was approached

Name of the adjudicatory body

Name(s) of the Court(s)

Case Number

Main Reasoning/Decision of court

Major Human Rights Violations Related to the Conflict:

Arrest/detention/imprisonment

Physical attack

Whether criminal law was used against protestors:

Yes

Reported Details of the Violation:

Farmers from the Devanahalli taluka had planned a silent protest in the Channarayapatna Hoblli on August 15th, 2022. At 4 am on Independence day, the Devanahalli police arrested several protestors from a protest camp in the taluk. Protestors allege that the police also picked up opposing farmers from their homes. The Devanahalli police deny this in media reports and in an FIR claim most protestors were arrested for disrupting Independence Day celebrations in Devanahalli Town. Protestors were first held in the Devanahalli Police station, then shifted to the Yelahanka Police Station (under Bengaluru Urban) and released on the same night. It is alleged that the police hit protestors asking about the reason for their arrest. One protestor, Pramod M. from Polanahalli, sustained an eye injury during the Police raid. In all the Devanahalli Police arrested 72 protestors.

Date of Violation

August 14, 2022

Location of Violation

Channarayapatna Hobli, Devanahalli

Additional Information

Nature of Protest

Protests/marches

Blockades

Campaigns (grassroots organisations/press releases/media)

Government Departments Involved in the Conflict:

Revenue Department, Bangalore Rural District

PSUs Involved in the Conflict:

Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board

Did LCW Approach Government Authorities for Comments?

Name, Designation and Comment of the Government Authorities Approached

Corporate Parties Involved in the Conflict:

Did LCW Approach Corporate Parties for Comments?

Communities/Local Organisations in the Conflict:

Farmers

Information on the use of criminal law

What was the action taken by the police?

Arrest

How many people did the police detain or arrest?

72

What is the current status of the detained/accused persons?

Released from arrest

Did the person face any violence while in police custody?

Yes

If any arrests took place, were the accused persons produced before a judge within 24 hours of the arrest?

No, they were not produced before a magistrate at all

If the accused was not produced before a magistrate within 24 hours, or not produced at all, what were the reasons?

Released on the same day after FIR filed

Legislation under which the accused was charged

IPC 1860

(Sections 188, 283, 290, 291).

Was the accused person informed of their right to legal representation? Did the accused person have access to legal aid?

Neither were they informed, nor did they have access

In cases where the accused person approached the court for bail, was bail granted?

Why was bail granted or rejected? If granted, what were the bail conditions and quantum of bail?

Were there any other notable irregularities that took place, or other significant details?

Resources

Resources Related to Conflict

  • News Articles Related to the Conflict:
  • Documents Related to the Conflict:
  • Links Related to the Conflict:

Images

Image Credit:  

Image Credit:  

Video

The Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) has issued a notice to landholders in the Devanahalii Taluka, Bengaluru Rural district, informing them of the body’s intention to acquire 1777 acres of agricultural land for Haraluru Industrial Area. However, the landholders, primarily farmers, oppose the move as they claim it will render them landless and impact their livelihoods.

According to media reports, the land is intended for the second phase of the Haraluru Industrial Estate Park, a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the region set up in 2018 to encourage a range of manufacturing industries including aerospace and defence technologies. KIADB has not disclosed the exact nature of industries or the amount of investment planned in the region.

The Gazette acquisition notice was first published in August 2021 and individual landowners received notices between December 2021 and January 2022. A total of 1777.29 acres of land from 13 villages were listed by the KIADB in these notices. Approximately 1287 families are likely to be affected by this acquisition, out of which 387 families are landless.

Pramod Kumar, a resident of Pollanahalli village, while speaking to LCW, stated that over 70 percent of those hit with acquisition notices were opposing the move. “We are farmers and this is our main occupation. The land is our only source of livelihood for most of us,” said Pramod.

Farmers in the region grow a mix of cash crops like vegetables, flowers, silk mulberry, and millets like ragi. Affected farmers also have small poultry farms and cattle holding. “My father has raised and educated us through his income from farming. We do not want to give up this occupation,” said Harshan Gowda, a twenty year old student from the region to LCW.

The KIADB had already acquired several thousand acres during the first phase of the Haraluru Industrial Area but had not yet used the land. Neither have they provided compensation for the lands so acquired during the first phase of the project. This is making farmers unwilling to part with more land.

Initially farmers registered their objection through letters to the District Commissioner and various political leaders including the Chief Minister, explained Pramod. Seeing no change in the government stance, farmers in the region began an indefinite protest from April 2022, which included tractor rallies, dharnas and silent protests in Devanahalli, and in Bengaluru city.

The protests have been going on since April 2022. On 15th August, 71 individuals were arrested when a protest had been planned in Devanahalli town. The Devanahalli police allege that the protestors were disrupting Independence Day celebrations and flag hoisting and violating the Karnataka High Court order to protest only in Freedom Park in Bengaluru. An FIR was also filed against them. Protestors on the other hand allege that the police began arresting protestors from their camp and homes at 4 am well before any protest could occur. They also accuse the police of heavy handedness and violence.

Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

Refusal to give up land for the project

Demand to get back acquired land

Demand for compensation

Complaint against procedural violations

Other Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

Region Classification

Rural

Type of Land

Private

Type of Common Land

Total investment involved (in Crores):

Type of investment:

Year of Estimation

Page Number In Investment Document:

Has the Conflict Ended?

No

When did it end?

Why did the conflict end?

Categories of Legislations Involved in the Conflict

Legislations/Policies Involved

Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Act, 1966
Section 3 [Provision empowering state government to declare any area an industrial area]; Section 28 [Process by which state government can acquire land for the purpose of development by the Board, including ensuring that the owner of land is granted an opportunity to be heard]; Section 30 [Provisions of the central Land Acquisition Act to apply for apportionment of compensation]
Special Economic Zones Act, 2005
Section 5 [Guidelines for the Union government to notify Special Economic Zones include generation of economic activity and development of infrastructure ability]; Section 31 [Provisions empowering Union government to appoint authorities to acquire, hold and dispose of property]
Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013
  1. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  2. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  3. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  4. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  5. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  6. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  7. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Whether claims/objections were made as per procedure in the relevant statute

What was the claim(s)/objection(s) raised by the community?

What was the Decision of the Concerned Government Department?

Legal Processes and Loopholes Enabling the Conflict:

Controversial land acquisition by the government

Delay in compensation

Non-consultation with stakeholders

Non-implementation/violation of LARR Act

Legal Status:

Out of Court

Status of Case In Court

Whether any adjudicatory body was approached

Name of the adjudicatory body

Name(s) of the Court(s)

Case Number

Main Reasoning/Decision of court

Major Human Rights Violations Related to the Conflict:

Arrest/detention/imprisonment

Physical attack

Whether criminal law was used against protestors:

Yes

Reported Details of the Violation:

Farmers from the Devanahalli taluka had planned a silent protest in the Channarayapatna Hoblli on August 15th, 2022. At 4 am on Independence day, the Devanahalli police arrested several protestors from a protest camp in the taluk. Protestors allege that the police also picked up opposing farmers from their homes. The Devanahalli police deny this in media reports and in an FIR claim most protestors were arrested for disrupting Independence Day celebrations in Devanahalli Town. Protestors were first held in the Devanahalli Police station, then shifted to the Yelahanka Police Station (under Bengaluru Urban) and released on the same night. It is alleged that the police hit protestors asking about the reason for their arrest. One protestor, Pramod M. from Polanahalli, sustained an eye injury during the Police raid. In all the Devanahalli Police arrested 72 protestors.

Date of Violation

August 14, 2022

Location of Violation

Channarayapatna Hobli, Devanahalli

Nature of Protest

Protests/marches

Blockades

Campaigns (grassroots organisations/press releases/media)

Government Departments Involved in the Conflict:

Revenue Department, Bangalore Rural District

PSUs Involved in the Conflict:

Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board

Did LCW Approach Government Authorities for Comments?

Name, Designation and Comment of the Government Authorities Approached

Corporate Parties Involved in the Conflict:

Did LCW Approach Corporate Parties for Comments?

Communities/Local Organisations in the Conflict:

Farmers

Resources Related to Conflict

  • News Articles Related to the Conflict:
  • Documents Related to the Conflict:
  • Links Related to the Conflict:

Image Credit:  

Image Credit:  

Documented By

Text Link

Reviewed By

Text Link

Updated By

Text Link

Edited By

Text LinkLand Conflict Watch

Other Land Conflicts in Karnataka

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