In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has ruled in favour of ISKCON Bangalore, affirming its independent legal status and ownership of the iconic Hare Krishna Temple in Bengaluru. The judgment marks the culmination of a long-standing legal dispute between ISKCON Bangalore and ISKCON Mumbai over the temple’s ownership and institutional autonomy.
The verdict was delivered by a Bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih, which set aside a 2011 Karnataka High Court ruling that had previously favoured ISKCON Mumbai. The apex court held that ISKCON Bangalore is a separate legal entity, validly registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act, and is not a mere branch of ISKCON Mumbai.
The dispute originated when ISKCON Mumbai claimed ownership of the Bengaluru temple, arguing that ISKCON Bangalore operated as its subordinate and that the temple complex belonged to the Mumbai entity. ISKCON Mumbai is registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 and the Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950.
Initially, the trial court ruled in favour of ISKCON Bangalore, recognising its legal title and issuing a permanent injunction against ISKCON Mumbai. However, the Karnataka High Court later reversed this decision. The Supreme Court has now reinstated the trial court’s findings, concluding the prolonged battle in ISKCON Bangalore’s favour.
This judgment not only resolves a significant legal conflict but also reinforces the autonomy of religious institutions governed by regional society registration laws.
