In a strongly worded legal notice, Dhivya Kiran, a 43-year-old resident of Richmond Town, has sought Rs 50 lakh in compensation from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). He blames the city’s poor road infrastructure for the deterioration of his physical and mental health.
The notice, issued through his legal counsel K V Laveen on May 14, accuses the BBMP of “gross negligence and failure in discharging its public duty.” Kiran claims the civic body’s inaction has left him in constant pain and severely limited his day-to-day life.
Speaking to NDTV, Kiran expressed his frustration over the city’s crumbling roads. “Bengaluru roads are a mess. Even the smallest pothole can cause so much distress,” he said. “It is very sad that the city does not care for good infrastructure. That is why I have sent a notice to the authorities. If need be, I will file a PIL. Why should I suffer? The least the state can do is provide us with good roads.”
Pothole-Ridden Roads Blamed for Bengaluru Man’s Spinal Injuries
Kiran says his problems began with frequent commuting across roads riddled with potholes and uneven surfaces. These conditions, he alleges, triggered severe spinal pain. Over time, his health worsened, leading to multiple medical interventions. According to the notice, he has had five consultations with orthopedic specialists and four emergency visits to St. Philomena’s Hospital.
The legal complaint outlines that Kiran underwent procedures involving pain-relieving injections and has been prescribed long-term medications. Advocate Laveen detailed the extent of his client’s suffering, stating: “My client states that he was forced to visit 5 orthopedic specialists due to the intensifying pain. He made 4 emergency visits to St. Philomena’s Hospital, undergoing injections and procedures to relieve acute agony. Further, have been on multiple medications and painkillers to manage the condition.”
Mobility has become a daily challenge, the notice says. Kiran has stopped using two-wheelers and autorickshaws as the bumpy rides aggravate his condition. Even cab rides, though slightly better, remain uncomfortable. “Even cab rides are difficult, though marginally more tolerable than autos or bikes. This severely limits his mobility and independence, affecting both his personal and professional commitments,” the advocate added.
Bad Roads Took Emotional Toll, Says Bengaluru Man
The physical discomfort has also taken a toll on his emotional well-being. The legal document points to multiple episodes of pain-induced distress. “He has also experienced episodes of crying out in pain, loss of sleep, anxiety, and mental distress, all of which have deeply affected his well-being and daily functioning,” said Laveen.
The notice seeks Rs 50 lakh to cover medical treatment (both past and anticipated), emotional and physical suffering, and travel costs related to consultations. An additional Rs 10,000 has been demanded to cover the legal notice charges. If the BBMP does not respond within 15 days, Kiran warns that he will initiate further action including a civil suit, a PIL in the Karnataka High Court, and complaints to the Lokayukta and State Human Rights Commission.
Kiran’s legal action coincides with mounting public criticism over Bengaluru’s deteriorating infrastructure, especially after recent torrential rains exposed severe urban vulnerabilities. Heavy rainfall over a single night flooded roads, submerged vehicles, and resulted in multiple fatalities across the city. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), over 130 mm of rain fell in 12 hours, triggering a civic crisis.
BBMP Admits Lapses, But Citizens Say It’s Too Late
Amid the chaos, civic officials admitted to shortcomings. BBMP Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao described the situation as “one of the worst in a decade,” and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar pledged expedited work on stormwater drains to prevent future flooding. However, for citizens like Kiran, such promises have come too late.
As of now, the BBMP has not issued any official response to the notice.
