Bengaluru Resident Seeks ₹50 Lakh from BBMP Over Pothole Injuries

A 43-year-old Bengaluru resident has filed a lawsuit against the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), seeking Rs 50 lakh in compensation for alleged injuries and trauma caused by the city's dilapidated roads. The complainant, Dr. Dhivya Kiran Jeevan, claims that the poor road conditions have led to repeated medical emergencies and long-term health problems.

'Treacherous roads have worsened my condition'

According to Dr. Kiran, a legal notice dated May 14, he suffered neck and back pain for which he required immediate medical attention on four separate occasions. He attributes this to the "constant jolts and shocks" he endured while travelling on roads riddled with potholes, uneven patches, and unmotorable surfaces.

Despite being a taxpayer, he argues that the city's failure to maintain its infrastructure has adversely affected his quality of life.

4 Hospital Emergencies and Ongoing Treatment

Pain went to such an extent that Dr. Kiran had to make emergency room visits four times and consult five different orthopedicians. He had to undergo multiple injections and procedures on all these occasions so that he could tolerate the pain. He is still on long-term medication, and he is still experiencing pain from physical limitations.

Mental Distress and Daily Struggles

Further noted is the emotional toll that the whole situation has taken on Dr. Kiran. He had experienced episodes recently during which he had to endure acute pain and anxiety combined with significant sleep disruptions, alongside mental distress. Now he cannot go around freely, and the more severely affected parts so far include his spine and neck, such that normal modes of transportation, such as an auto-rickshaw and a bike, have become impossible for him.

 “Even cab rides are difficult, though marginally more tolerable than autos or bikes,” he said. 

Rs. 50 lakhs as compensation for negligence

The legal notice states: "Gross negligence and failure to do mandatory civic duties by BBMP." Dr. Kiran is demanding an amount of ₹ 50 lakhs for medical expenses (past and future), emotional shock, loss of normal life, and expenses regarding current treatment. An additional ₹ 10,000 has been added for legal fees accrued.

In case BBMP fails to reply or pay up for damages, Dr. Kiran would initiate legal proceedings against it and file a criminal case against it.

Major topic of concern for Bengaluru commuters

The case raises concerns among the residents of Bengaluru. As public frustration mounts over poor infrastructure and civic inaction, Dr. Kiran’s case could set a precedent for others facing similar hardships.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal Arshad/MSM)