Does the ISKCON Temple in Bengaluru Really Belong to ISKCON Society Mumbai?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court clarifies the ownership of the ISKCON temple in Bengaluru, establishing it as a property of ISKCON Society Bangalore. This decision overturns previous judgments and highlights the complexities of organizational affiliations within the ISKCON community. What does this mean for the future of ISKCON in India?
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court confirms ISKCON Bangalore's ownership of the Bengaluru temple.
- Karnataka High Court's previous ruling was overturned.
- ISKCON Society Bangalore was registered in July 1978.
- The ruling prevents ISKCON Mumbai from interfering in Bangalore's affairs.
- This case highlights legal complexities within religious organizations.
New Delhi, May 16 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has determined that the ISKCON temple located in Bengaluru is not the property of the ISKCON Society Mumbai, but rather belongs to the ISKCON Society Bangalore, which is registered under the Karnataka Societies Act.
A bench comprised of Justices Abhay S. Oka and A.G. Masih overturned a prior ruling made by the Karnataka High Court, which had asserted that the ISKCON temple in Bengaluru was under the jurisdiction of the ISKCON Society Mumbai.
In the contentious order issued in May 2011, the Karnataka High Court had approved an appeal from ISKCON Mumbai, contesting a decision from the trial court that favored ISKCON Bangalore.
The trial court had affirmed that the ISKCON Society Bangalore, established in July 1978 under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act, was the rightful owner of the temple property situated at Hare Krishna Hills in the Rajajinagar district of the state capital, and prohibited ISKCON Society Mumbai from meddling in its operations.
In its legal action, ISKCON Society Bangalore requested a declaration asserting that ISKCON Society Mumbai lacked the authority to dismiss its office-bearers or manage its properties and administration.
Conversely, ISKCON Society Mumbai argued that the Bengaluru center had never operated as an autonomous legal entity, claiming that all assets acquired by or registered to ISKCON Bangalore in fact belonged to ISKCON Society Mumbai.
The Karnataka High Court had ruled that the title and possession of the Hare Krishna Hills temple complex in Bengaluru rightfully belonged to ISKCON Society Mumbai, nullifying the trial court's decree. It concluded that ISKCON Bangalore was merely a branch of ISKCON Mumbai, granting ISKCON Mumbai a permanent injunction against interference from ISKCON Society Bangalore's office-bearers.
This ruling from the apex court clarifies that the ISKCON temple in Bengaluru is owned by ISKCON Society Bangalore.
Point of View
The Supreme Court's ruling demonstrates a pivotal moment in the ISKCON community's legal history. This decision not only affirms the autonomy of ISKCON Society Bangalore but also sets a precedent for organizational governance within religious societies in India, ensuring that local identities are respected in the broader narrative of faith-based communities.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the recent Supreme Court ruling about ISKCON temple in Bengaluru?
The Supreme Court ruled that the ISKCON temple in Bengaluru belongs to ISKCON Society Bangalore, not ISKCON Society Mumbai.
What did the Karnataka High Court decide before the Supreme Court ruling?
The Karnataka High Court previously ruled that the temple belonged to ISKCON Society Mumbai, overturning a trial court's decision in favor of ISKCON Bangalore.
When was ISKCON Society Bangalore registered?
ISKCON Society Bangalore was registered in July 1978 under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act.
What are the implications of the Supreme Court's decision?
The decision affirms the ownership of ISKCON Society Bangalore over the temple, preventing ISKCON Society Mumbai from interfering in its operations.
How does this ruling affect the ISKCON community?
This ruling empowers ISKCON Society Bangalore and clarifies the legal standing of ISKCON centers across India, reinforcing their independence.
