There has been a massive outpouring of support on social media for Bengaluru professor Dr Kiran Jeevan, who served a legal notice to the city's civic body, BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike), after years of travelling on roads riddled with craters and potholes left him in debilitating pain with spondylitis. While online commentators from Bengaluru have been lauding the decision, those from other cities too have been praising the professor's gall while mulling if they too should take similar steps against their civic authorities.
In his legal notice, Dr Jeevan said that the "deplorable" roads caused him significant physical pain and considerable mental stress. He has also demanded compensation of Rs 50 lakh for his medical expenses, and an additional Rs 10,000 to cover his legal expenses.
In a statement to the press, the professor emphasised that he decided to sue the civic body in support 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 stated.
Reacting to his story, X user Sourabh Mathur (@sourabhmathur) commented, "If even 1 percent of Bengalureans 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."
"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," added Manjunath A (@FragranceFsnow). Another X user, RV (@veryrv75), wrote, "I request that other Bengaluru residents join the kind doctor for a class action suit against the government of state of Karnataka."
Other Bengaluru citizens also voiced their support and said they would try and help the professor in his legal battle.
"We can crowd fund the legal expenses," said Venkatesh (@Venkatesh_2693), while another X user (@actualycitizen1) wrote, "I think more people should come forward to sue the BBMP like this in bulk."
Meanwhile, Dr Jeevan says he is overwhelmed by all the positive messages. The professor said that he has been receiving supportive messages on social media from his students, friends, and even strangers.
"I feel very motivated, very inspired," he told Moneycontrol. "I did not know that the legal notice would create this sort of a buzz, and now I hear that even in Mumbai people are talking about this. I feel a lot of people think that we can't take a stand on these matters, but I thought enough is enough and decided to do something about it. I am very happy about the support I am getting from across the country."
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