The Supreme Court of India rules in favor of ISKCON Bangalore in the long-standing legal battle over the ownership of the iconic Hare Krishna temple in Bengaluru, settling a major religious property dispute with ISKCON Mumbai.

Supreme Court Favors ISKCON Bangalore in Temple Ownership Dispute

In a significant legal victory, the Supreme Court of India has ruled in favor of ISKCON Bangalore in the high-profile dispute over the ownership of the famous Hare Krishna temple in Bengaluru. This ruling ends a prolonged battle between ISKCON’s two factions—Bangalore and Mumbai.

Legal Background and Court Rulings

The temple, managed by ISKCON Bangalore for several years, became the subject of controversy after ISKCON Mumbai laid claim to its ownership. Earlier, a 2009 trial court judgment had declared ISKCON Bangalore the legal owner of the temple and issued a permanent injunction against ISKCON Mumbai. However, this decision was later overturned by the Karnataka High Court.

On May 17, 2025, a bench comprising Justices AS Oka and Augustine George Masih reinstated the 2009 trial court order, dismissing the High Court’s judgment and confirming ISKCON Bangalore’s ownership and management rights.

Timeline of the ISKCON Legal Battle

The dispute began to intensify in 2011 when ISKCON Bangalore, represented by office-bearer Kodandarama Dasa, petitioned the Supreme Court following a setback at the Karnataka High Court. On May 23, 2011, the High Court had ruled in favor of ISKCON Mumbai, stating that the temple belonged to the parent body registered under the Bombay Public Trusts Act of 1950 and the Societies Registration Act of 1860.

ISKCON Mumbai contended that the Bangalore temple was a branch operating under its administration. In contrast, ISKCON Bangalore asserted its status as an independent society registered under Karnataka law, with full autonomy over temple operations.

Victory for ISKCON Bangalore and What It Means

With the Supreme Court’s ruling, ISKCON Bangalore has now secured the legal right to own and manage the Hare Krishna temple in Bengaluru. This decision not only resolves years of uncertainty but also strengthens the society’s autonomy and identity within the global ISKCON community.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s verdict is a landmark in the realm of religious property disputes in India. It sets a precedent for the recognition of regional autonomy within spiritual organizations, and it reaffirms the rights of locally registered entities like ISKCON Bangalore to operate independently.