The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited's (BMRCL) RV Road-Bommasandra line (Reach-5) has hit a legal hurdle after the Karnataka High Court ordered a stay on the land acquisition process of around 2.5 acres land of the Nandi Economic Corridor Enterprises (NICE), The New Indian Express reports.

The Karnataka HC called for status quo to be maintained during the acquiring of land over four survey numbers in Beratena Agrahara village and eight survey numbers in Doddathoguru village of Begur Hobli after NICE had filed a writ petition against BMRCL acquiring its properties. The next hearing is on 15 July.

A senior BMRCL said, “We have begun the acquisition process for nearly 50 acres of land on the Reach-5 line. This is a setback for us as we will not be able to carry out any work there until we get legal clearance.” The land is needed to build a viaduct and a portion of the Electronic City (I) Metro station.

The Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB), has already deposited the compensation to NICE after consultation with the State Advocate General. NICE Managing Director Ashok Kheny said that the compensation offered was only five per cent of the amount being offered to neighbouring landowners.

BMRCL has stressed that the compensation for NICE cannot be on par with others as they have a conditional sale deed on hand. “They had been given government land on lease for constructing the road, and it has to be returned free of cost to the state government after a lapse of 30 years,” a BMRCL official said.