Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Threatens Legal Action Over Unpaid Bills for Prime Minister Modi’s Mysuru Visit
The Radisson Blu Plaza hotel in Mysuru, Karnataka, has threatened to take legal action against the state government for the non-payment of bills amounting to Rs 80.6 lakh incurred during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the city in April 2023.
Prime Minister Modi visited Mysuru in April 2023 to inaugurate the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger, an event organized by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF).
According to a report by The Hindu, the hotel has threatened to pursue legal action if the dues are not settled by June 1, 2024.
The state forest department was tasked with organizing the event from April 9 to 11, initially estimated to cost Rs 3 crore, with the assurance of 100% funding from the Union government. However, due to short notice, the actual cost escalated to Rs 6.33 crore. While the Union government released the initially estimated Rs 3 crore, the remaining Rs 3.33 crore is yet to be paid.
On September 23, 2023, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) of Karnataka reminded the NTCA’s Deputy Inspector-General of the unpaid dues. The NTCA responded that the expenses for the Prime Minister and his entourage’s stay at Radisson Blu Plaza in Mysuru were the Karnataka government’s responsibility.
On March 22, 2024, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Head of Forest Force, Karnataka, again reminded the NTCA of the uncleared bills, but there has been no response so far.
The hotel has indicated that delayed payment interest of 18% per annum will be applicable to the outstanding dues. This additional sum of Rs 12.09 lakh for the delayed payment should be included when the payment is made.
