- 1 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:17068 WP No. 37724 of 2025 IN THE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA AT BENGALURU DATED THIS THE 25TH DAY OF MARCH, 2026 BEFORE THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SACHIN SHANKAR MAGADUM WRIT PETITION NO. 37724 OF 2025 (GM-POLICE) BETWEEN: M/S HOSKOTE INDUSTRIES WELFARE FORM PLOT NO.35-B1, CHOKKANAHALLI VILLAGE KIADB INDUSTRIAL AREA, HOSKOTE TALUK BANGALORE RURAL DISTRICT-562114 REGISTERED SOCIETY REP BY ITS PRESIDENT REGISTERED UNDER SOCIETY ACT, 1960 …PETITIONER (BY SRI. ANIL REDDY S.,ADVOCATE) AND: 1. STATE OF KARNATAKA REP BY ITS CHIEF SECRETORY VIDHAN SOWDA BANGALORE-560001 2. KARNATAKA INDUSTRIAL AREAS DEVOLOPMENT BOARD NRUPATHUNGA ROAD, BANGALORE-560001 REP BY ITS SECRETORY 3. SUB INSPECTOR HOSKOTE POLICE STATION KHB COLONY BANGALORE RURAL DISTRICT PIN: 562114. 4. POLICE INSPECTOR Digitally signed by CHAITHRA A Location: HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA - 2 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:17068 WP No. 37724 of 2025 HOSKOTE POLICE STATION KHB COLONY BANGALORE RURAL DISTRICT PIN - 562114. 5. SUPERINTEND OF POLICE HOSKOTE DEVISION AND TALUK BANGALORE RURAL, PIN - 560001 …RESPONDENTS (BY SRI. K.P. YOGANNA, AGA FOR R1, R3 TO R5; SRI. ADINARAYAN, ADVOCATE FOR R2) THIS WP IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 & 227 OF CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO-DIRECT THE R3 TO 5 TO EVICT THE ILLEGAL OCCUPANTS WITHIN THE PREMISES OF KARNATAKA INDUSTRICAL DEVELOPMENT AREA (CHOLLANAHALLI) HOSAKOTE AND STOP ALL ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES CARRIED BY THEM WITHIN PREMISES OF HOSAKOTE INDUSTRIAL AREA. THIS PETITION, COMING ON FOR PRELIMINARY HEARING, THIS DAY, ORDER WAS MADE THEREIN AS UNDER: CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SACHIN SHANKAR MAGADUM ORAL ORDER The present writ petition is instituted by the petitioner–Forum, which is entrusted with the responsibility of maintenance, supervision, and - 3 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:17068 WP No. 37724 of 2025 regulation of the Karnataka Industrial Area in terms of the proceedings of respondent No.2/Board. The grievance of the petitioner arises out of large-scale illegal activities allegedly taking place within the said industrial area. 2. It is specifically contended that several unauthorized shops have been illegally erected and are being run within the industrial premises. It is further alleged that certain occupants are indulging in unlawful activities including sale of liquor and contraband substances such as ganja, thereby disturbing the industrial environment and defeating the very purpose for which the industrial area is established. 3. The petitioner–Forum, upon noticing these serious irregularities and illegalities, submitted detailed representations to respondent No.2/Board as - 4 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:17068 WP No. 37724 of 2025 well as to the jurisdictional police authorities, namely respondents No.3 and 4. Through such representations, the petitioner sought immediate intervention, inspection, and initiation of action to curb the illegal encroachments and unlawful activities. 4. The primary grievance of the petitioner is that, despite bringing these serious issues to the notice of the competent authorities, no effective steps have been taken either by respondent No.2 or by the police authorities. The inaction on the part of the respondents has, therefore, constrained the petitioner to approach this Court seeking appropriate relief in the nature of mandamus. 5. Learned Additional Government Advocate, on instructions, submits that if a formal complaint is lodged or forwarded by respondent No.2/Board, the authorities would examine the allegations made in - 5 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:17068 WP No. 37724 of 2025 Annexures “C” and “D” and take action in accordance with law. It is further submitted that necessary steps would be initiated upon verification of the allegations. 6. This Court has carefully examined the material on record. Annexure “B”, which is the proceedings dated 14.09.2021 issued by respondent No.2/Board, clearly indicates that the subject industrial area has been handed over to the petitioner–Forum for the purpose of maintenance and administration. In view of the said entrustment, the petitioner–Forum is not only competent but is also duty-bound to ensure that the industrial area is maintained in accordance with law and is free from unauthorized occupations and illegal activities. 7. Despite such entrustment and despite submission of representations highlighting serious illegalities, no action appears to have been taken by - 6 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:17068 WP No. 37724 of 2025 the concerned authorities. The inaction on the part of respondent No.2 and the police authorities, in the face of specific allegations, warrants interference by this Court. Therefore, this Court is of the considered view that a writ of mandamus is liable to be issued. 8. Accordingly, this Court proceeds to pass the following: ORDER (i) The writ petition is hereby allowed. (ii) Respondent No.2 is directed to forthwith examine the representations/complaints submitted by the petitioner–Forum, including the allegations set out in Annexures “C” and “D”, and to conduct appropriate inspection and enquiry in accordance with law. - 7 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:17068 WP No. 37724 of 2025 (iii) In the event it is found that unauthorized shops or structures have been erected within the industrial area without due authorization, respondent No.2 shall initiate necessary action for removal of such illegal encroachments and for restoration of the industrial area to its lawful condition. (iv) If, during the course of such action, respondent No.2 requires assistance, it shall be at liberty to seek police protection from respondents No.3 and 4, and upon such requisition, the said respondents shall extend necessary assistance in accordance with law. (v) Respondents shall ensure that appropriate action is taken expeditiously, keeping in view the nature of the allegations and the need to - 8 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:17068 WP No. 37724 of 2025 maintain the industrial area free from illegal activities. SD/- (SACHIN SHANKAR MAGADUM) JUDGE ALB List No.: 1 Sl No.: 45