A 43-year-old Bengaluru man has sent a legal notice for Rs 50 lakh compensation from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for the extreme physical and mental shock that he suffered due to the city’s dilapidated and non-motorable roads.
Repeated Hospital Visits
Richmond Town resident Dhivya Kiran, in his legal notice, said that, as a responsible citizen who pays taxes, he has been subjected to physical pain and mental torture repeatedly because BBMP’s negligence in maintaining public roads.
He said he saw five orthopedic doctors and had four emergency hospitalizations for four visits after suffering severe neck and back pain. He accused them of being “medically related to the jerks and trauma endured while traveling on these dangerous roads.”
Lawyer Enumerates Medical Bills and Emotional Stress
The legal notice, issued by Advocate K V Laveen on May 14, outlined the medical treatments Kiran underwent.
“My client informs that he was compelled to see 5 orthopedic experts as pain was getting worse. He had 4 emergency visits to St. Philomena’s Hospital, subjected to injections and interventions to ease acute pain. In addition, have been on several drugs and analgesics to control the condition,” averred Advocate Laveen.
He further stated, “He has also had episodes of crying out in pain, sleep disturbances, worry, and mental distress, which have all had a profound impact on his state of being and daily living.”
Unable to Travel Because of Compromised Health
The rough roads have greatly aggravated Kiran’s neck and spinal condition. “Mr Kiran further asserted that he is not able to move around by car or on two-wheelers, as the broken and uneven roads have significantly aggravated his neck and spinal condition,” the notice says. “Even taxis are not easy, although slightly more bearable than cars or motorbikes. This greatly affects his mobility and independence, impacting his personal and professional commitments,” the lawyer further added.
Rainfall and Potholes Add to City’s Ongoing Road Woes
Kiran’s grievance is part of increasing public discontent with Bengaluru‘s dilapidated infrastructure. The problem of water-logging and potholes has increased with monsoons. Following heavy rain over the weekend night, several city roads were inundated, with locals being photographed walking through waterways and transporting people on inflatable boats to escape.
BBMP is yet to make any statement following the notice.
Legal Action Looms if BBMP Does Not Compensate
The notice alleges BBMP of “gross negligence and failure in discharging its public duty,” asserting the man has endured “physical agony, emotional trauma, and financial burden.”
Kiran is asking for Rs 50 lakh as compensation for the physical and emotional distress he suffered, and reimbursement of his medical travel costs. He has also requested Rs 10,000 for the cost of legal notice. The BBMP has been advised to reply within 15 days, which will be followed by taking legal recourse.
Angry Citizen Might Approach Court
Addressing NDTV, Kiran has stated, “Bengaluru roads are in shambles. Even a small pothole can cause so much inconvenience.” He also added, “It is extremely sad that the city doesn’t bother about good infrastructure. For this reason, I have issued a notice to the authorities. If necessary, I will file a PIL (Public Interest Litigation). Why should I do all this? The least the state can do is give us good roads.”