The Supreme Court recently delivered a split verdict on a batch of review petitions filed by ISKCON Mumbai seeking reconsideration of the Court’s May 2025 ruling that recognised ISKCON Bangalore as an independent legal entity and owner of the Hare Krishna Temple in Bengaluru.
While Justice JK Maheshwari allowed the review petitions and listed them for further hearing, Justice AG Masih dismissed them. Notably, Justice Masih was part of the original bench led by Justice Abhay S Oka that had passed the verdict in ISKCON Bangalore's favour.
The May 16 verdict had ruled that ISKCON Bangalore is a distinct legal entity registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1960, and not a branch of ISKCON Mumbai.The Court then had upheld the trial court’s finding recognising ISKCON Bangalore’s independent status and ownership of the Hare Krishna Temple in Bengaluru, while setting aside the Karnataka High Court’s 2011 decision that had favoured ISKCON Mumbai.
In view of the differing opinions on the review plea, the matter will now be placed before the Chief Justice of India for appropriate directions.The "ISKCON Bangalore row" refers to a long-standing legal dispute between ISKCON Bangalore and ISKCON Mumbai over the ownership and control of the Bangalore temple property, which was settled by the Supreme Court in May 2025. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of ISKCON Bangalore, affirming its ownership and overturning a previous Karnataka High Court decision that favored ISKCON Mumbai. This ended a 20- to 25-year legal battle concerning the temple's management and the broader leadership of ISKCON.
The conflict stemmed from differing views on leadership within ISKCON after its founder, Srila Prabhupada, passed away. Some followers believe the original "ritvik" system of initiation should continue, while others adopted a new system with multiple gurus.
ISKCON Bangalore filed a civil suit in 2001 for control of the temple after ISKCON Mumbai attempted to expel Bangalore devotees from the organization.
The Karnataka High Court ruled in favor of ISKCON Mumbai, which was then challenged by ISKCON Bangalore in the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court ruled on May 16, 2025, that the Bangalore temple rightfully belongs to the registered society in Bengaluru, settling the 25-year legal dispute. The verdict grants ISKCON Bangalore independence in managing and functioning the temple and its assets, which were funded by local efforts.
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