In a recent development, the state government in Bengaluru has made amendments to two laws that will empower the BBMP to levy various fees on new and recent construction activities in the city. This move comes after the high court had previously quashed fees charged by the civic body, citing that they were not part of the relevant acts. The amendment is expected to save the BBMP Rs 1,712 crore in fees already collected.
The notification, known as the BBMP and Certain Other Law (Amendment) Act 2023, was published in the Karnataka Gazette in August 2024. This notification empowers the BBMP to collect various fees like license fees, maintenance fees, security deposits, and more. Although the civic body had been collecting these fees since 2021, they lacked legal support.
Facing challenges from petitioners, including property owners and apartment dwellers, the BBMP found itself in a legal dilemma. The government aims to avoid repaying Rs 2,400 crore collected during the previous government’s tenure. There are promises to reduce fees in the future, but for now, the notification provides a legal basis for these fees. Stay tuned as this matter unfolds further in the high court.
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