Protest over hotel licence rejection: FIR registered against seven in Bengaluru

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The protesters allegedly raised slogans against the BNCC Commissioner, Corporation officials and the government. | Image for reprsentation | Photo Credit: makyzz

An FIR has been registered against a man and six others for allegedly staging a protest outside the Bengaluru North City Corporation (BNCC) office and obstructing public traffic following the rejection of a hotel business licence.

According to the complaint filed by Ramu G., Medical Officer of Health, Byatarayanapura Division, M.Y. Basappa of Kodigehalli had applied on June 24, 2026, seeking permission to operate R.P. Restaurant. The Corporation issued an endorsement on August 11 rejecting the application, citing that the proposed establishment was located in a residential area and the road width was only 7.2 metres.

The applicant had earlier sought a licence for R.P. Bar and Restaurant and Boarding and Lodging (CL-7) on October 27, 2025. Following objections from local Resident Welfare Associations, the application was rejected on November 14, 2025, citing the residential zoning of the premises under the BBMP Act, 2020.

The FIR states that on Tuesday (August 18), between 12 noon and 2.30 p.m., one Santosh and six others, allegedly representing Mr. Basappa, gathered near the gate in front of the Corporation Commissioner’s office at Byatarayanapura and staged a protest.

The protesters allegedly raised slogans against the BNCC Commissioner, Corporation officials and the government. Despite being informed by officials about the Karnataka High Court’s March 3, 2022, order concerning protests and processions in Bengaluru, they allegedly continued the demonstration and obstructed the smooth movement of traffic on the adjoining public road.

Based on the complaint, Amruthahalli Police registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

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