Supreme Court Rules ISKCON Bengaluru Society Owns Iconic Hare Krishna Temple
The Supreme Court ruled that Bengaluru's iconic Hare Krishna temple and educational complex belong to ISKCON Society Bengaluru, not ISKCON Mumbai. The apex court sided with ISKCON Bangalore's plea, overturning a Karnataka High Court order favouring the Mumbai faction. This judgment resolves a protracted dispute over control of the prominent religious institution, clarifying its administration and bringing closure to the contentious legal battle between the two ISKCON entities.
Unpacked:
The dispute arose over the ownership and control of the Bengaluru Hare Krishna temple. ISKCON Mumbai claimed ISKCON Bangalore was its branch and that the temple property should fall under its jurisdiction, while ISKCON Bangalore asserted it was an independent entity managing the temple for decades.
The legal battle lasted 13 years. Initially, a local Bengaluru court ruled in favor of ISKCON Bangalore, but the Karnataka High Court later sided with ISKCON Mumbai. ISKCON Bangalore appealed, and the Supreme Court ultimately ruled in its favor, overturning the High Court's decision.
ISKCON Bangalore is a Karnataka-registered society that considers itself independent, managing its own affairs and temple. ISKCON Mumbai is registered under national laws and views ISKCON Bangalore as a branch under its oversight, seeking administrative control over the Bengaluru temple.
The Supreme Court's verdict grants ISKCON Bangalore clear legal ownership and administrative control of the Hare Krishna temple and its educational complex, bringing closure to the long-standing dispute and ensuring the temple will continue to be managed by the local Bengaluru entity.