One-Year Jail Sentence for Illegal Occupation of Grazing Land

Bengaluru The Karnataka Land Grabbing Prohibition Special Court has sentenced Choudappa, a resident of Mailanahalli village in Bengaluru North Taluk, to one year in prison and imposed a fine of ₹5,000 for illegally occupying grazing land and building a house.

The case pertains to a piece of government grazing land (Survey No. 20) in Mailanahalli, Jalahalli Hobli, where Choudappa allegedly forcibly occupied 107×56 feet of land and constructed a residential house. The complaint was filed by the Taluk Tehsildar, who reported the illegal occupation.

After examining the evidence, the special court found the charges of land encroachment to be valid. As a result, Choudappa was sentenced to one year of simple imprisonment and fined ₹5,000. If he fails to pay the fine, an additional three-month imprisonment will be imposed. The verdict was delivered by Judicial Member Patil Nagalinganagouda and Revenue Member K.H. Ashwath Narayanagouda of the Second Special Court.

In addition to the sentence, the court has ordered the immediate eviction of the encroachment on the grazing land, which was meant for the Gomala scheme, and directed the authorities to submit a report on the matter.

This case serves as a reminder of the state’s strict stance on land grabbing, particularly in areas reserved for public purposes such as grazing grounds.

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