Supreme Court Rules Hare Krishna Temple in Bengaluru Belongs to ISKCON Bangalore
The Supreme Court of India has ruled that the Hare Krishna Temple in Bengaluru belongs to ISKCON Bangalore, overturning a previous Karnataka High Court decision in favor of ISKCON Mumbai.
Supreme CourtIskcon BangaloreHare Krishna TempleLegal BattleProperty DisputeReal Estate MumbaiMay 16, 2025
Real Estate Mumbai:The Supreme Court of India has ruled that the Hare Krishna Temple in Bengaluru belongs to ISKCON Bangalore, bringing an end to a long-standing legal battle. The top court allowed the plea of ISKCON Bangalore, challenging a Karnataka High Court order that ruled in favor of ISKCON Mumbai over the control of the iconic temple and educational complex in Bengaluru. A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih set aside the order of the Karnataka High Court, which had held that the property belonged to ISKCON Society, Mumbai. The bench noted that the trial court had also recorded a finding that no evidence was produced by ISKCON Mumbai about its possession of the Schedule “A” property, and there was absolutely no evidence to support its claim. The court stated that the application for allotment was made by ISKCON Bangalore, and the sale deed was executed in favor of ISKCON Bangalore. The bench emphasized that the entire discussion by the high court about so-called manipulations made by Madhu Pandit, Bhakti Lata Devi Dasi, Chanchalapati Dasa, and Chamari Devi Dasi was not relevant. The verdict made it clear that the Schedule “A” property was allotted by the Bangalore Development Authority to ISKCON Bangalore, an independent society registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act. The apex court further stated that the high court’s finding that ISKCON Mumbai, through its branch in Bangalore, was the owner of the schedule property was “completely erroneous” and deserved to be set aside. It is clear from the documentary evidence that even if ISKCON Bangalore did not possess funds, and even if money came from ISKCON Mumbai, it cannot claim ownership. The existence of the Bangalore branch of ISKCON Mumbai does not grant it the right to the property. Reacting to the Supreme Court's judgment, Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa, President of ISKCON Bangalore, Founder and Chairman of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, and Chairman and Mentor of the Global Hare Krishna Movement, stated that the internal ISKCON battle was against self-proclaimed gurus who claimed to be successors to Srila Prabhupada, the founder Acharya of ISKCON, without being authorized by Srila Prabhupada before his Maha Samadhi. Today, the 25-year-old court battle has been concluded by the Supreme Court, which ruled that the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) had allotted the temple land to ISKCON Bangalore society in 1988. ISKCON Bangalore is an independent society registered in Bangalore, and the property and funds to build the temple were raised in Bangalore. ISKCON Mumbai has been injuncted from interfering with the management of ISKCON Bangalore and can no longer expel thousands of devotees who want to accept only Srila Prabhupada as the sole Acharya of ISKCON. ISKCON Bangalore moved the top court on June 2, 2011, against the May 23, 2011, high court verdict and was represented by its office-bearer Kodandarama Dasa. The trial court had ruled in favor of ISKCON Bangalore, recognizing its legal title and granting a permanent injunction against ISKCON Mumbai. However, the high court reversed this ruling and upheld a counterclaim by ISKCON Mumbai, effectively granting them control over the temple. The societies with similar names and spiritual missions were pitted against each other in the legal battle. While ISKCON Bangalore, a Karnataka-registered society, contended it had been operating independently and managing the Bengaluru temple for decades, ISKCON Mumbai, registered under the national Societies Registration Act of 1860 and the Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950, claimed rights over the property and said ISKCON Bangalore was merely its branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main dispute between ISKCON Bangalore and ISKCON Mumbai? A: The main dispute was over the ownership and control of the Hare Krishna Temple and its associated property in Bengaluru. ISKCON Mumbai claimed that the property belonged to them, while ISKCON Bangalore argued that it was an independent entity and the rightful owner. Q: What was the final decision of the Supreme Court? A: The Supreme Court ruled that the Hare Krishna Temple in Bengaluru belongs to ISKCON Bangalore, overturning a previous Karnataka High Court decision in favor of ISKCON Mumbai. Q: Why did the Supreme Court reject ISKCON Mumbai's claim? A: The Supreme Court rejected ISKCON Mumbai's claim because there was no evidence to support their ownership of the property. The court noted that the application for allotment was made by ISKCON Bangalore, and the sale deed was executed in their favor. Q: What is the significance of this ruling for ISKCON Bangalore? A: The ruling is significant for ISKCON Bangalore as it confirms their legal title to the Hare Krishna Temple and associated property in Bengaluru. It also prevents ISKCON Mumbai from interfering with their management and operations. Q: How long did the legal battle last? A: The legal battle lasted for 25 years, finally concluding with the Supreme Court's ruling in favor of ISKCON Bangalore.
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