High Court Orders Probe into Alleged Temple Encroachment in Bengaluru

The Karnataka High Court has ordered an investigation into allegations that the Sri Sallapuradamma Temple in Bengaluru has encroached upon a public road, leading to traffic congestion and inconvenience for residents.

Updated: Saturday, January 13, 2024, 0:45 [IST]

The Karnataka High Court has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru Urban district to depute the deputy director of land records and a technical team to submit a report on whether a temple in Bengaluru has encroached upon the road or whether the road was built around the temple.

Temple in the Middle of the Road? Bengaluru High Court Demands Answers — Representative image

Allegations of Road Encroachment

The division bench of Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale and Justice Krishna S Dixit were hearing a petition alleging that there was illegal encroachment of the road by Sri Sallapuradamma Temple, located on Hegganahalli Main Road in Sunkadakatte village, Bengaluru. The road is said to have been blocked by the temple, causing inconvenience to commuters.

Ambiguous BBMP Report

The high court had earlier directed the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to depute an officer to visit the site and file a report. However, the court found the BBMP's affidavit to be ambiguous and an attempt to create confusion.

Need for Independent Survey

The high court expressed its inability to comprehend the BBMP's statement, which seemed to suggest that the road was laid around the temple. The court noted that the report failed to clarify whether there was illegal encroachment or whether the temple had been standing there for a long time.

To obtain a clear and independent assessment, the high court directed a new survey to be conducted. The deputy director of land records and a technical team will be responsible for conducting the survey and submitting a report to the court.

Adjournment of Hearing

The high court adjourned the hearing to February 9, 2023, to allow time for the completion of the survey and the submission of the report. The court's decision is expected to provide clarity on the issue of temple encroachment and help resolve the dispute.