Karnataka HC Quashes FIR Against Sri Sri Ravi Shankar In Bengaluru Land Encroachment Case

Karnataka: The Karnataka High Court, in a significant ruling on March 25, 2026, ordered the quashing of a First Information Report (FIR) registered against the prominent spiritual leader and head of the Art of Living Foundation, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

The case, centered on allegations of encroachment on public land in Bengaluru, was heard by a single-judge bench comprising Justice M. Nagaprasanna.

The FIR had been filed under the provisions of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964, specifically invoking offences punishable under Section 192A.

The proceedings against the petitioner stemmed from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) previously filed before a division bench of the Karnataka High Court. In the PIL, it was alleged that several respondents, including the spiritual leader—arrayed as respondent number five—had encroached upon public land and constructed permanent structures over a Rajakaluve, a traditional stormwater drain connecting various lakes.

The division bench, while examining the PIL, noted that maps of the area indicated that various constructions had been raised on specific survey numbers within Kaggalipura Village, Uttarahalli Hobli, Bengaluru South Taluk.

The survey numbers identified included 164/2, 163/3, 161/7, and 160. The court further observed that a significant portion of Survey No. 150, officially designated as a water body, appeared to have been encroached upon. Taking note of the State government’s position that encroachments had indeed occurred, the division bench disposed of the PIL with directions to the authorities to take action in accordance with law. This directive led to the registration of the FIR by the BMTF Police against several individuals, including Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Challenging the FIR, the spiritual leader contended through counsel that his inclusion in the criminal proceedings was unjustified. It was argued that he had no personal role in the alleged activities and did not own the disputed land. The defence further submitted that he had been falsely implicated and sought quashing of the proceedings.

Earlier, on January 7, 2026, Justice Nagaprasanna declined to grant interim protection, observing that halting the investigation would run contrary to the directions issued by the division bench, which had found prima facie evidence of encroachments. The court noted that a detailed examination of records, including maps and revenue documents, was necessary.

Subsequently, on January 13, 2026, the court granted a stay on the investigation against Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to examine the merits of his petition.

Upon final consideration, the court found sufficient merit in the plea and quashed the FIR insofar as it pertained to the petitioner, thereby setting aside the proceedings against him under the Karnataka Land Revenue Act.

The court clarified that the relief was limited to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and would not extend to other accused persons. It further observed that its findings would have no bearing on proceedings pending against other individuals.

Case Title: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar v. State of Karnataka & Anr.