The Karnataka High Court has declined to halt a police investigation or provide interim relief to spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who is named as an accused in a case concerning the alleged encroachment of public land in Bengaluru. The court's decision marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings.
Court's Stance on the Investigation
Justice M Nagaprasanna, presiding over the case, heard a petition filed by the spiritual figure seeking the quashing of the First Information Report (FIR). The judge explicitly stated that stopping the probe at this juncture would contradict previous directives issued by a division bench of the same court.
"To stall any kind of investigation now would be running counter to what the Division Bench observes and permitting the appropriate authorities to act against the encroachers," Justice Nagaprasanna remarked. He added that without examining the case records, it would be inappropriate to issue any protective order at this stage.
The court, however, granted liberty to the petitioner to approach it again if any formal investigation notice is issued specifically to him. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on January 12, 2026.
Background of the Case and Allegations
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was initially named as a respondent in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the High Court. Subsequently, he was listed as an accused in an FIR registered last year under Section 192A of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964. This section prescribes both imprisonment and a fine for the unlawful occupation of government land.
The FIR was filed by the Bangalore Metropolitan Task Force Police following directions from the High Court in the PIL. The litigation alleged large-scale encroachment of public land, including construction over a rajakaluve (a storm water drain connecting lakes) in areas under Kaggalipura Village, Uttarahalli Hobli, Bengaluru South Taluk.
Arguments Presented and Court's Directives
Advocate P Prasanna Kumar, representing Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, argued that his client had "nothing to do with the activities of the other accused." He contended that the spiritual leader neither owns property in the concerned area nor has he encroached upon any land, and therefore, the investigation against him should not proceed.
The counsel further submitted that the division bench's original order was based on a government report and a memo with maps, neither of which named Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. He urged the court to stay the proceedings specifically concerning his client.
Rejecting these arguments for interim protection, Justice Nagaprasanna made it clear the court was not inclined to interfere. The High Court directed the additional state public prosecutor to secure all records related to the case and present them before the court on the next date of hearing.
Earlier, the division bench, while disposing of the PIL, had noted that official maps indicated unauthorized constructions and substantial encroachment. It had recorded the state government's stand that encroachments had indeed occurred and directed authorities to take lawful action against the encroachers.
