This Professor Sued Bengaluru City For ₹50 Lakh Over Bad Roads: Now Getting Huge Public Support

A man from Bengaluru recently made huge headlines after he sued the place's civic body for the trauma caused by bad roads. Now, more details of this amusing incident have surfaced and we have a face to the person who demanded Rs 50 lakh in compensation...

Meet Dr Dhivya Kiran Jeevan, a 43-year-old tax-paying citizen from Richmond Town, who sent a legal notice to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP)- the South Indian city's civic body responsible for maintaining road infrastructure. In it, the complainant explained that poor roads caused him severe health issues and mental trauma. In addition to the 50 lakhs, an additional Rs 10,000 was also demanded, to meet the legal expenses.

The news of this incident has gone viral among Bengaluru residents. Today, we are witnessing massive crowds coming forward on social media, offering support to Kiran Jeevan. He is a seasoned professor with over 15 years of experience in teaching social work and administration, and is based in Bengaluru. He also happens to be a TEDx and public speaker.

Dhivya Kiran says that years of travelling through cratered Bangalore roads has caused him to suffer from spondylitis. The notice says that the professor's health condition got so bad that he had to go visit orthopaedic specialists five times and make at least four emergency trips to St Philomena’s Hospital. He had to take several injections and medicines as well.

He is also reported to be suffering from severe anxiety, emotional drain, and a loss of sleep. All these have had major adverse effects on both his personal and professional lives. The professor also says that it has become nearly impossible for him to travel by two or three-wheelers.

Netizens have been lauding the professor's decision to sue BBMP. Many from other cities have also remarked that similar actions should be taken against their own civic bodies as well.

An X (previously Twitter) user's reaction said "If even 1 percent of Bangaloreans sued the government for the trauma caused by bad roads, the government would collapse under litigation. This doctor’s case should be a wake-up call. Governance must shift from apathy to accountability. Time for bureaucrats and politicians to mend ways."

The professor explained the motive behind the heroic act in a press statement. He said that his decision to sue BBMP was in alignment with the wishes of many others who "silently suffer from back and neck pain caused by these hazardous roads". "It is not just a personal grievance, but a collective one that demands urgent attention," he remarked.

Another had a horrifying personal instance to cite: "Last year, while turning from Whitefield Post Office road turn towards Nelluhalli, I met with a serious accident due to horrible potholes. I was hospitalised in Sirsi for seven days. Thought of suing the government. It’s been a year... no change," Another user commented "We can crowd fund the legal expenses,"

Dr. Jeevan admits himself to be overwhelmed by the massive public response in his favour. He said that he has been receiving these from his students, friends, and strangers.

The professor plans to cover his medical and transport expenses with the money he has asked for. BBMP is expected to respond to the notice in 15 days. If they fail to do so, Dr Jeevan says he would pursue civil action and file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), igniting a complex legal battle. He is even ready to approach the Lokayukta and the State Human Rights Commission for a proper resolution.