ISKCON Bangalore owns Hare Krishna temple, not ISKCON Mumbai: SC
In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court has brought an end to a long-standing dispute between two prominent ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) branches, ISKCON Bangalore and ISKCON Mumbai, over the ownership of Bengaluru’s Hare Krishna temple. The court has ruled in favor of ISKCON Bangalore, declaring it the rightful owner of the temple. This decision was made after the Karnataka High Court had earlier ruled in favor of ISKCON Mumbai, which had claimed that ISKCON Bangalore was merely its branch and therefore an owner of the religious property.
According to the Supreme Court’s judgment, ISKCON Bangalore is an independent legal entity and not a branch of ISKCON Mumbai. The court’s decision is a significant victory for ISKCON Bangalore, which had been fighting for ownership of the temple for several years.
The dispute between the two branches dates back to the 1970s when ISKCON Bangalore was established. Over the years, the two branches have had a strained relationship, with ISKCON Mumbai claiming that ISKCON Bangalore was its branch and therefore, it had the right to control and manage the temple. However, ISKCON Bangalore had always maintained that it was an independent entity and had the right to manage the temple.
The dispute came to a head in 2019 when the Karnataka High Court ruled in favor of ISKCON Mumbai, stating that ISKCON Bangalore was merely a branch of ISKCON Mumbai. ISKCON Bangalore challenged the decision and appealed to the Supreme Court.
In its judgment, the Supreme Court rejected the Karnataka High Court’s ruling and declared that ISKCON Bangalore was an independent legal entity. The court also noted that the temple was registered in the name of ISKCON Bangalore and that the branch had been operating independently since its inception.
The Supreme Court’s decision has been hailed by ISKCON Bangalore as a major victory. “We are thrilled with the Supreme Court’s decision,” said a spokesperson for ISKCON Bangalore. “We have always maintained that we are an independent entity and have the right to manage the temple. The Supreme Court’s decision recognizes our independence and upholds our right to manage the temple.”
ISKCON Mumbai, on the other hand, has expressed disappointment with the decision. “We are disappointed with the Supreme Court’s decision,” said a spokesperson for ISKCON Mumbai. “We believe that ISKCON Bangalore is our branch and that we have the right to control and manage the temple. We will consider appealing the decision.”
The Supreme Court’s decision has significant implications for the management of the Hare Krishna temple in Bengaluru. The temple is a popular tourist destination and a significant cultural institution in the city. The decision will likely impact the temple’s management and operations, with ISKCON Bangalore likely to have greater control over its affairs.
The dispute between ISKCON Bangalore and ISKCON Mumbai highlights the complexities of religious institutions and the challenges that can arise when different branches of a religious organization have competing claims to a particular property. The Supreme Court’s decision is a significant recognition of the independence of ISKCON Bangalore and its right to manage the Hare Krishna temple in Bengaluru.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s ruling that ISKCON Bangalore owns the Hare Krishna temple in Bengaluru is a significant victory for the branch and a recognition of its independence. The decision has significant implications for the management of the temple and will likely impact the lives of thousands of devotees who visit the temple every year. The dispute between ISKCON Bangalore and ISKCON Mumbai highlights the importance of clear communication and cooperation between different branches of a religious organization to avoid conflicts and ensure the smooth management of religious properties.
