Supreme Court Divided on ISKCON Bengaluru Control Case
The Supreme Court of India has delivered a split verdict in the highly anticipated review petition concerning the control and ownership of ISKCON Bengaluru properties. This development marks a significant turn in the long-standing legal dispute that has captured national attention.
Overturning the Karnataka High Court Decision
In a crucial move, the apex court set aside the 2011 judgement delivered by the Karnataka High Court. The earlier ruling had determined that the disputed property rightfully belonged to the ISKCON Society based in Mumbai. The Supreme Court's decision to overturn this fourteen-year-old judgment introduces new complexity to the case.
The legal proceedings saw intense arguments from both sides regarding the rightful ownership and management control of the ISKCON Bengaluru temple and its associated properties. The split verdict indicates that the bench hearing the case could not reach a unanimous decision, reflecting the complex nature of the dispute.
Historical Context and Future Implications
The property dispute has been ongoing for more than a decade, with the Karnataka High Court's 2011 ruling initially seeming to settle the matter in favor of ISKCON Society, Mumbai. However, the recent Supreme Court proceedings have reopened the case, suggesting that the legal battle is far from over.
The split verdict means that the case will likely be referred to a larger bench for final resolution. This development ensures that the dispute over one of Bengaluru's prominent spiritual centers will continue to be closely watched by legal experts and devotees alike. The outcome could set important precedents for similar religious property disputes across the country.
As the legal process moves forward, both ISKCON Bengaluru and ISKCON Society, Mumbai await further judicial clarity on the matter that will determine the future administration of the temple and its properties.
