Wed Mar 19 15:57:19 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka High Court Adjourns Hearing on Land Encroachment Case Involving Union Minister
**Bengaluru, March 19, 2025** – The Karnataka High Court adjourned until April 3rd a contempt of court case concerning alleged land encroachment by Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and his relatives. The case stems from a 2014 Lokayukta report recommending an inquiry into the legality of land grants in Kethaganahalli village.
The court is hearing a petition filed in December 2020 by the NGO Samaj Parivarthan Samudaya, alleging the state government’s failure to comply with a 2020 undertaking to implement the Lokayukta’s recommendations. The report urged an investigation into the acquisition of survey numbers 7, 8, 9, 10, 16, 17, and 79, and subsequent action against any illegal encroachment.
The government, represented by Principal Secretary Rajendra Kumar Kataria, submitted a report detailing a conducted land survey and the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the matter. Mr. Kataria cited missing documents and the need to verify the authenticity of others as reasons for requesting additional time. He also stated that the SIT is investigating the lands.
The court expressed concern over the government’s inaction despite the 2020 undertaking. The Ramanagara district administration recently marked portions of the land in Mr. Kumaraswamy’s possession as encroached government land. The High Court will resume hearing the case on April 3rd.
First Piper 