Gregory Patrao gets HC order, gives up land

Gregory Patrao gets HC order, gives up land

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Mar 13, 2015: Gregory Patrao, agriculturist from Kalavaru village in Surathkal, who made headlines five years ago for his struggle against the acquisition of his 14.27 acre of land by Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) for MRPL, has finally given up following a High Court order.

It may be recalled that Patrao’s centuries old home was demolished and his standing crops were razed by KIADB officials with the help of police and district administration on April 27, 2010 to make way for the Phase-3 of MRPL.  However, Patrao and his family members continued to stay in the same land in a makeshift shelter.

He had staged protest with the help of several organisations in front of DC office the same year, for nearly two months. Later he withdrew his stir following the then chief minister B S Yeddyurappa’s assurance to give him justice, but in vain.   The only relief he got through the court was the higher compensation calculated as per the rates prevailing in 2006 instead of 1996.

The High Court, in its order dated February 10, 2015, directed Patrao and six other petitioners (his mother, brothers and sisters) to vacate the land on or before March 10, 2015, failing which the respondents (KIADB and MRPL) have been permitted to take possession of the land without issuing any further notice.

Speaking to media, Gregory Patrao said he has to first obey the HC order and has already vacated the house on March 10,  and would shift few other belongings too out soon.  He also said police have been camping in the area.  Justice does take it’s own course.

Mangaluru: Gregory Patrao, agriculturist from Kalavaru village in Surathkal, who made headlines five years ago for his struggle against the acquisition of his 14.27 acre of land by Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) for MRPL, has finally given up following a High Court order.

It may be recalled that Patrao’s centuries old home was demolished and his standing crops were razed by KIADB officials with the help of police and district administration on April 27, 2010 to make way for the Phase-3 of MRPL.  However, Patrao and his family members continued to stay in the same land in a makeshift shelter.

He had staged protest with the help of several organisations in front of DC office the same year, for nearly two months. Later he withdrew his stir following the then chief minister B S Yeddyurappa’s assurance to give him justice, but in vain.   The only relief he got through the court was the higher compensation calculated as per the rates prevailing in 2006 instead of 1996.

The High Court, in its order dated February 10, 2015, directed Patrao and six other petitioners (his mother, brothers and sisters) to vacate the land on or before March 10, 2015, failing which the respondents (KIADB and MRPL) have been permitted to take possession of the land without issuing any further notice.

Speaking to media, Gregory Patrao said he has to first obey the HC order and has already vacated the house on March 10,  and would shift few other belongings too out soon.  He also said police have been camping in the area.  Justice does take it’s own course.