Karnataka High Court Orders Isha Yoga Centre To Maintain Status Quo On Construction Activity Near Nandi Hills

A division bench of Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale and Justice Ashok S Kinagi gave the direction while hearing a public interest litigation filed by Kyathappa S and others, who are native agriculturist and permanent residents of Chikkaballapura Taluk.

The petitioners allege that the authorities have "allowed" the Isha Yoga Centre to destruct and deface entire ecosystem, environment and natural rain water streams, water bodies, water feeder streams in Foot Hill of Nandi Hills and Narasimha Devaru Range (Betta) NDB in utter violation of environmental laws, which has direct impact on the living, livelihood, cattle, sheep, forest animals, in the region.

The court permitted the petitioners to amend their petition within a week to allow them to raise a challenge to the notification issued by the government granting land to the Isha Yoga Centre and for raising additional grounds. The court added that on carrying out the amendment to the petition, notice be issued to the respondents returnable in three weeks.

The plea alleges that the core area and Green Belt Zonal Area of Avalagurki, as it was earlier, is being used by Isha Yoga Centre in utter violation of the Zonal Regulations. The authorities are keeping quiet and it indicates the command and influence of the Isha Yoga Centre in this regard, it adds.

It also alleges that Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, Tehsildar, Chikkaballa-pura Urban Development Authority have passed illegal orders contrary to the statutes to favour Isha Yoga Centre. 

The petition prays for calling of entire records in respect of the lands in Avakagurki and seeks a direction for initiation of appropriate proceedings for protection of the Nandi Hill range.

It also seeks a direction against Isha Yoga Centre to not proceed with defacing, damaging the "ecosystem, terrain of the Hill range in Avalagurki"

Case Title: Kyathappa S & others v. The Secretary & others

Case No: 312/2023

Appearance: Advocate M Shivaprakash for petitioners.