Residents Struggle Without Network Access in Bidar Village
The Karnataka High Court has instructed Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to consider a representation seeking the installation of mobile network towers in Bhavani Bijalgao village, located in Kamalanagar Taluk of Bidar District, after finding that residents are unable to access essential services due to the complete absence of mobile connectivity.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Poonacha passed the order while hearing a writ petition filed by Gurunath Vadde, who highlighted the daily hardships faced by villagers because of the lack of communication facilities.
Court Questions Availability of Private Network Providers
During the hearing, the Bench posed a pointed query to the petitioner’s counsel regarding the availability of private telecom operators such as Airtel or others in the region apart from BSNL.
Responding to the query, the petitioner’s counsel stated that no private service provider operates in the locality and that the residents of Bhavani Bijalgao have been completely cut off from mobile networks, severely hampering their ability to access government services, emergency assistance, and digital facilities.
Petitioner’s Plea and Court’s Direction
The petitioner had sought a direction to BSNL to act on his representation dated May 18, 2024, urging the installation of a mobile tower to address the communication blackout affecting the entire community.
Disposing of the matter, the High Court observed:
“We consider it appropriate to dispose of the present petition by directing the respondents to consider the petitioner’s representation, if not already considered.”
The Court thus directed BSNL and the concerned authorities to review and act upon the petitioner’s request in accordance with law.
Case Details
- Case Title: Gurunath Vadde v. Deputy Commissioner & Anr.
- Case No.: WP 25174/2024
- Bench: Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Poonacha
- Court: Karnataka High Court, Bengaluru
