Sri Jagannatha Seva Trust Vs the State of Karnataka — Writ and Judicial Review | Karnataka HC (2026)

Sri Jagannatha Seva Trust Vs the State of Karnataka — Writ and Judicial Review | Karnataka HC (2026)

1 - NC: 2026:KHC:30388 WP No. 10009 of 2026

HC-KAR

IN THE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA AT BENGALURU

DATED THIS THE 19^TH DAY OF JUNE, 2026

BEFORE

THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SURAJ GOVINDARAJ WRIT PETITION NO. 10009 OF 2026 (GM-POLICE)

BETWEEN:

SRI JAGANNATHA SEVA TRUST SABARI SHRIKHETRA, NO.14/3B AMCO LAYOUT MAIN ROAD NEAR IMPACT COLLEGE SAHAKARANAGAR POST BENGALURU 560092. REP. BY FOUNDER/SIGNATORY SRI. NILAMANI BEHURA

…PETITIONER

(BY SMT: LEELA P DEVADIGA, ADVOCATE)

AND:

Digitally signed by SHWETHA RAGHAVENDRA Location: HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA

THE STATE OF KARNATAKA REP. BY ITS SECRETARY

HOME DEPARTMENT

VIDHANA SOUDHA BENGALURU 560001.

THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE AMRUTHAHALLI NORTH EAST DIVISION BENGALURU-560092

THE STATION HOUSE OFFICER KODIGEHALLI POLICE STATION BENGALURU 560092

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SRI V RAJANNA S/O LATE VENKATAPPA AGED ABOUT 52 YEARS R/AT NO.58, SHANTHIVANA SAHAKARANAGARA POST BEHIND JAGANNATHA TEMPLE BENGALURU - 560 092.

…RESPONDENTS

(BY SRI: C H DEVARAJ, GOVT ADV FOR R1 TO R3; SRI: NITYANAND V NAIK, ADV FOR R4)

THIS WP IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO DIRECT RESPONDENT NO.3 - STATION HOUSE OFFICER, KODIGEHALLI POLICE STATION TO REGISTER FIR ON THE BASIS OF THE COMPLAINT DATED 20.03.2026 AND 26.03.2026, PRODUCED AS ANNEXURE- Q AND V RESPECTIVELY, SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER TRUST IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW; ISSUE A WRIT OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING RESPONDENT NOS. 2 AND 3 TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE AND CONTINUOUS POLICE PROTECTION TO THE PETITIONER TRUST, TEMPLE PREMISES, TRUSTEES, ARCHAKAS AND DEVOTEES TO ENSURE PEACEFUL CONDUCT OF RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES AND ETC.,

THIS WP, COMING ON FOR FINAL HEARING, THIS DAY, ORDER WAS MADE THEREIN AS UNDER:

CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SURAJ GOVINDARAJ

ORAL ORDER

Petitioner is before this Court seeking for the following reliefs:

"a) Issue a writ of mandamus directing Respondent No.3 - Station House Officer, Kodigehalli

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HC-KAR

Police Station to register FIR on the basis of the complaint dated 20.03.2026 & 26.03.2026, produced as Annexure-Q and V respectively, submitted by the petitioner Trust in accordance with law;

b) Issue a writ of mandamus directing Respondent Nos.2 and 3 to provide adequate and continuous police protection to the petitioner Trust, temple premises, trustees, archakas and devotees to ensure peaceful conduct of religious activities;

c) Pass such other writ, order or direction as

this Hon'ble Court deems fit in the facts and circumstances of the case, in the interest of justice and equity."

1. The grievance of the petitioner is that the complaints dated 20.03.2026 and 26.03.2026 at Annexures-Q and V respectively, have not been acted upon by the respondent - police and it is in that background, the aforesaid relief has been sought.

A perusal of the complaint dated 20.03.2026 indicates that the respondents have filed suit in OS No.1736 of 2026 and further that the allegations made are as regards encroachment, trespass and interference with the peaceful management of the temple etc.,

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HC-KAR

Even according to the petitioners, there is a suit which was pending as on the date on which the complaint was filed.

A perusal of the complaint dated 26.03.2026 again indicates that there is interference with the possession made by the respondents. These contentions raised by the petitioner are civil disputes, entitling the petitioner to avail civil remedies. The police cannot be made to be involved in such civil disputes.

Reserving liberty to the petitioner to agitate the said matter before the appropriate forum, petition stands dismissed.

Sd/(SURAJ GOVINDARAJ) JUDGE

BGN List No.: 1 Sl No.: 58