New Delhi | January 8, 2026 | Karnataka High Court on Wednesday declined to stay further investigation in a public land encroachment case in which spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has been named as an accused. The court held that granting any interim relief at this stage would be contrary to earlier directions issued by a division bench ordering strict action against encroachers of government land.
Justice M Nagaprasanna, who was hearing the petition filed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, observed that halting the probe without examining the complete records would not be appropriate. The petitioner had sought quashing of the FIR registered against him and a stay on further investigation.
“To stall the investigation at this juncture would run counter to the observations made by the division bench and the liberty granted to authorities to act against encroachers of public land. Without perusing the records, no protective order can be passed,” the court said.
However, the court clarified that the petitioner would be at liberty to approach it again if any notice of investigation is issued specifically to him. The matter has been listed for further hearing on January 12.
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Background of the case
The case has its origins in a public interest litigation (PIL) alleging large-scale encroachment of public land in the southern parts of Bengaluru. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was arrayed as a respondent in the PIL and was subsequently named as an accused in a criminal case registered last year.
The FIR was lodged under Section 192A of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964, which provides for imprisonment and fine in cases involving unlawful occupation of government land.
The complaint was registered by the Bengaluru Metropolitan Task Force Police pursuant to directions issued by the high court while disposing of the PIL.
The petition had alleged that extensive encroachments had taken place on public land in areas falling under Kaggalipura village and Uttarahalli Hobli in Bengaluru South Taluk. The allegations included construction over a rajakaluve — a storm water drain connecting lakes — raising concerns over obstruction of natural water flow and environmental damage.
Submissions on behalf of the petitioner
Appearing for Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, senior advocate P Prasanna Kumar contended that his client had no role whatsoever in the alleged encroachments. He submitted that the spiritual leader neither owns any property in the area in question nor has he occupied any land illegally.
The counsel further argued that the division bench’s earlier order was based on a government report and a memo accompanied by maps, none of which named Sri Sri Ravi Shankar as an encroacher.
“The official memo and maps do not implicate the petitioner in any manner. He has no connection with the alleged activities carried out by other accused persons,” the counsel told the court, urging that the proceedings against his client be stayed.
Court’s observations and directions
After considering the submissions, the court declined to grant interim protection, making it clear that it was not inclined to interfere at the present stage of the proceedings.
Justice Nagaprasanna observed that the court could not arrive at any conclusion without examining the complete records relating to the case. He directed the additional state public prosecutor to secure and place before the court all relevant documents and records on the next date of hearing.
Earlier, while disposing of the PIL, the division bench had recorded that official maps indicated constructions at multiple locations and that substantial portions of public land had been encroached upon. The state government had also informed the court that encroachments had indeed taken place.
Recording the state’s stand, the division bench had directed the authorities to initiate action against encroachers “as warranted, albeit in accordance with law”.
With the high court refusing to stay the investigation, the probe into the alleged encroachments will continue. The future course of the proceedings is expected to become clearer after the next hearing scheduled on January 12.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
