Wed Jan 14 15:24:21 UTC 2026: Headline: Karnataka High Court Stays Investigation Against Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in Land Encroachment Case

The Story:
The High Court of Karnataka has temporarily halted an investigation into Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation, regarding allegations of land encroachment. The Bengaluru Metropolitan Task Force (BMTF) filed a First Information Report (FIR) in September 2025 based on claims that Mr. Ravi Shankar and others encroached upon government lands. Justice M. Nagaprasanna issued the stay on January 13, 2026, citing a lack of prima facie evidence directly implicating Mr. Ravi Shankar in the alleged encroachment. The stay will remain in effect until January 21, 2026, the next hearing date.

The court’s decision stems from the BMTF’s inability to produce documentation supporting the encroachment allegations, despite being granted time to do so. The case originated from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in 2023 alleging encroachment on government lands and lakes in specific survey numbers. While the government report submitted to the division bench indicated encroachment by constructions including apartments, Mr. Ravi Shankar’s legal team argues that he neither owns property nor illegally occupies any government land within those survey numbers.

Key Points:

  • The Karnataka High Court stayed the investigation against Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on January 13, 2026, regarding land encroachment allegations.
  • The FIR was filed by the Bengaluru Metropolitan Task Force (BMTF) in September 2025.
  • The Court found that the BMTF failed to provide evidence linking Mr. Ravi Shankar directly to the alleged encroachment.
  • The case originates from a PIL filed in 2023 alleging encroachment of government lands and lakes.
  • The interim order is effective until January 21, 2026.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Karnataka High Court is exercising its oversight role in investigations, ensuring due process and evidence-based accusations.
  • The case highlights ongoing concerns about land encroachment in the Bengaluru area, prompting legal action and scrutiny.
  • The temporary stay suggests that the initial evidence against Sri Sri Ravi Shankar may have been weak or circumstantial, requiring further substantiation.
  • PILs continue to be a significant tool for citizens to raise concerns about governance and environmental issues.
  • The lack of immediate evidence may raise questions about the BMTF’s initial investigation and the thoroughness of their procedures.

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