Karnataka High Court Extends Interim Protection for Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in Land Encroachment Probe
In a significant development, the Karnataka High Court has granted continued relief to spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar by extending its interim order that stays further investigation into a First Information Report (FIR) registered against him. The case involves allegations of encroachment on government land, and the court's decision comes after procedural compliance by the petitioner's legal team.
Court's Directive and Compliance
On Friday, the single-judge bench of Justice M Nagaprasanna announced the extension, stating that the interim order would remain in effect until the next hearing date. This decision followed the petitioner's successful rectification of defects in the plea, which the court had earlier warned must be addressed by Friday to avoid automatic vacation of the interim relief.
The judge explicitly noted, "The order dated 21-01-2026, has since been complied with in that light the interim order subsisting would continue till the next date. Relist the petition for hearing on February 5." This extension provides a temporary reprieve for Sri Sri Ravi Shankar as the legal proceedings continue.
Background of the Case and Legal Proceedings
The controversy stems from an FIR filed by the Bangalore Metropolitan Task Force Police under Section 192A of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964, which deals with offences and penalties related to land revenue. The petitioner's plea before the high court seeks to quash this FIR, arguing against the allegations of land encroachment.
In the previous hearing, Additional State Public Prosecutor B A Belliappa raised a preliminary objection concerning an affidavit filed by a devotee of an ashram and the petitioner himself. Belliappa contended that the affidavit did not meet legal standards and urged the court to dismiss the petition. However, counsel for petitioner P Prasanna Kumar assured the court that necessary corrections would be made by Friday, leading to the current extension.
Legal Framework and Implications
The writ petition was filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, which empowers high courts to issue writs, read with Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhitha (BNSS), concerning the inherent powers of the high court. As per standard legal practice, such petitions require an affidavit from the petitioners affirming the truthfulness of the contents mentioned in the plea.
The case highlights the intricate balance between legal procedures and the rights of individuals in high-profile matters. With the interim order now extended, all eyes are on the upcoming hearing scheduled for February 5, where further arguments and evidence will be presented. This development underscores the ongoing legal scrutiny in cases involving alleged land violations, particularly when prominent figures are involved.
