The Karnataka government is set to challenge a Supreme Court order awarding Rs 3,011 crore in TDR compensation to the Mysuru royal family. Get the full story, legal context, and latest developments here.

Legal Dispute Over Transferable Development Rights (TDR)

The Karnataka government has filed a legal appeal challenging the issuance of Transferable Development Rights (TDR) certificates to the legitimate heirs of the former Mysore royal family. The case involves a disputed acquisition of 15 acres at the historic Bangalore Palace Grounds.

TDR certificates are typically issued as compensation to landowners who voluntarily relinquish property for public infrastructure projects. These certificates allow development on alternative land parcels, offering significant financial value.

Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Karnataka’s Appeal

According to a report from PTI, a Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih questioned senior advocate Kapil Sibal on how the state could seek a review of a prior judgment by a coordinate bench.

The earlier ruling—delivered on May 22 by Justices MM Sundresh and Aravind Kumar—ordered Karnataka to issue TDR certificates worth ₹3,011 crore to the royal successors.

Legal Grounds: Conflict Between 1996 Act and 2004 Amendment

Sibal argued that the acquisition was carried out under the Bangalore Palace (Acquisition and Transfer) Act, 1996, which had already set a compensation of ₹11 crore. He stressed that the TDR provision—added only in 2004 through an amendment to the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act—could not be retroactively applied.

He further emphasized that Section 14B, which governs TDR allocation, is applicable only when land is willingly surrendered by owners, not when compulsorily acquired by the State.

Bench Debates Judicial Authority in Appeal Context

The bench also debated whether it could “sit in appeal” over a ruling by a parallel bench. However, Sibal clarified that the state was not seeking to overturn the decision but merely requesting that its legal concerns be considered within the broader context of the ongoing appeal.

Conclusion: Legal Battle Highlights Complexities in Land Compensation Laws

The ongoing legal tussle between the Karnataka government and the Mysuru royal family underscores the complexities surrounding property rights, historical acquisitions, and modern compensation mechanisms like TDR certificates. With the matter now before the Supreme Court of India, the final ruling could set a significant precedent for how legacy land disputes are handled, particularly when old laws intersect with new urban development policies. All eyes are now on the court’s interpretation, which could reshape compensation frameworks across India.