Amid protests by the Opposition BJP and JD(S) demanding the resignation of Minister B. Nagendra over the alleged misappropriation of funds in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation, the Legislative Assembly on Friday (August 21) passed the Karnataka Apartment (Ownership and Management) Bill, 2026, and two other Bills.

The Karnataka Apartment (Ownership and Management) Bill seeks to establish a regulatory framework for the governance and management of apartment complexes, including the operation and use of common areas and facilities.

Minister for Bengaluru Development and Parliamentary Affairs Krishna Byre Gowda explained the need for the legislation, saying it would provide a mechanism to govern apartment complexes in towns and cities. The Bill was tabled in the Legislative Council.

Private streets

The Assembly also passed the Karnataka Municipalities (Amendment) Bill, 2026, empowering municipal commissioners and chief officers to proactively intervene and take over private streets and drains that are in poor condition and pose a threat to public health and safety.

The legislation also seeks to prevent former landowners from claiming compensation or development rights certificates for land used for such streets.

A similar provision was incorporated for municipal corporations through the Karnataka Municipal Corporations (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

Both Bills are aimed at ensuring better maintenance of civic infrastructure and preventing private ownership issues from obstructing the provision of essential public services.

As the Opposition continued to shout slogans against the Congress government and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for inducting Mr. Nagendra in the State Cabinet, Speaker G.S. Patil ensured passage of three Bills and adjourned the session for Monday (August 24).

Published - August 21, 2026 07:43 pm IST