Mysore Royals Demand Respect for Tradition After Court Halts Temple Authority Formation

The Mysuru royal family has urged the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government to respect tradition after a court issued a stay on the formation of the Sri Chamundeshwari Kshetra Development Authority.

Yeduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, a member of the Mysore royal family and MP, told , “The court has temporarily halted the formation of the authority that the Karnataka government intended to establish to oversee the Chamundeshwari hills. The longstanding practices must continue without interruption. The court’s stay respects these traditions until further notice.”

He added, “Since the matter is sub-judice, we cannot comment further at this time.”

In response, Karnataka Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna remarked, “The royal family’s claims are outdated. Similar disputes, including the one regarding the Bengaluru Palace, are currently being addressed in the Supreme Court. The royal family’s property disputes with the government are also being contested in various states.”

Karnataka BJP leader CT Ravi stated, “We will issue a formal statement after thoroughly reviewing the situation. We respect the royal family and will consider the public’s sentiments.”

Earlier, Pramoda Devi Wodeyar, the queen mother of the Mysore royal family, criticized the state government for attempting to seize control of the Chamundeshwari Temple and other properties under the guise of development. “The Chamundeshwari Temple and related assets are private property of the royal family. The Chamundeshwari Land Development Authority Act 2024 was enacted to take over these properties, which we believe is unconstitutional. We have challenged this in court, and the High Court has stayed the authority’s formation,” she said.

She further explained, “The Mysore royal family had listed several properties, including the Chamundi Hill temple, in compliance with the 26th Amendment of the Constitution in 1971. This was confirmed by the then Chief Secretary in 1972.”

The legislation establishing the Sri Chamundeshwari Kshetra Development Authority, enacted in February, sought to transfer ownership, administration, and management of all properties associated with the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple to the state government.

Pramoda Devi Wodeyar also mentioned ongoing legal disputes regarding these properties. “The royal family has faced difficulties with various governments since independence. A lawsuit filed in 2001 by Srikanthadatta Narasimharaja Wodeyar regarding the Chamundeshwari Temple and other properties is still under trial in the High Court,” she noted.

She concluded, “The government should not commercialize the religious sanctity of these temples. Just as land is allocated to those in need, we too should be given due consideration.”