Unhappy with performance, MDA to reconstitute its legal panel

Mysore/Mysuru: The Mysuru Development Authority (MDA) is set to have a dedicated Task Force to provide security to its officers and staff during eviction drives to clear encroachments on MDA-owned lands and houses.

The Task Force will comprise one retired Deputy Superintendent of Police, two retired Sub-Inspectors, a few retired Police Constables, along with serving MDA officers.

Though not a formal Police force, it will function as a Police-like security wing.

The proposal has been approved by the MDA Board. It will be called ‘Abhaya Team’.

MDA officials have often faced difficulties during eviction operations as they are dependent on jurisdictional Police stations for protection to maintain law and order.

In many instances, local Police stations are unable to extend adequate support due to other commitments, forcing MDA officials to adjust eviction schedules, thereby affecting the effectiveness of encroachment-clearance drives.

Officials said the formation of a dedicated Task Force would address these issues and ensure smoother and more timely eviction operations.

Legal panel revamp: The MDA Board has approved the reconstitution of its panel of advocates to effectively handle legal cases on behalf of the Authority in courts of law.

The Board expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the existing panel, observing that it did not meet the Authority’s requirements, particularly in handling demanding and time-sensitive cases.

A new panel of advocates will be constituted, and applications will be invited through a public notification. Eligible and young lawyers with strong legal expertise, especially in land disputes and related legal matters, will be considered for appointment.