Karnataka High Court Refuses To Stay Probe Against Sri Sri Ravishankar Booked In FIR Over Encroachment Of Public Lands

The Art of Living founder was named accused No. 5 in FIR No. 201/2025 by Bangalore Metropolitan Task Force (BMTF) Police under Section 192A of Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964, which penalizes unlawful occupation of government land with up to 1-year jail and Rs 5,000 fine. Justice M. Nagaprasanna heard the writ petition seeking FIR quashing, issuing notice to police for records by January 12 hearing.���Case BackgroundThe FIR stems from a PIL alleging large-scale encroachments in Kaggalipura Village, Bengaluru South, including constructions on survey nos. 164/2, 163/3, 161/7, 160 over public lands and a rajakaluve (stormwater drain linking lakes). A division bench disposed of the PIL directing action “as warranted by law,” based on government maps confirming violations. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, respondent No. 5 in PIL, denies direct involvement, claiming no ownership or personal role; his counsel argued inclusion was overreach harming reputation.���Court ObservationsThe single judge bench noted halting the probe would contradict the division bench’s directions, emphasizing thorough investigation over expediency. No stay granted; case listed for January 12, 2026. This reflects Bengaluru’s ongoing urban expansion vs. land conservation tensions.��ImplicationsThe ruling signals judicial caution against high-profile interim reliefs in land cases. Next hearing could clarify Ravi Shankar’s role amid Art of Living’s regional activities.��