WADIYAR DYNANSTY: HISTORY / POLITY

WADIYAR DYNANSTY: HISTORY / POLITY

NEWS: Karnataka govt vs Wadiyar heirs: All about the dispute over Bengaluru’s Palace Grounds

 

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

The dispute over the 472.16-acre Bangalore Palace Grounds involves a legal battle between the Karnataka government and the Wadiyar family, the erstwhile rulers of Mysore. The conflict, originating from the 1996 Bangalore Palace (Acquisition and Transfer) Act, revolves around land acquisition, compensation, and the recent 2025 Ordinance, which seeks to regulate land utilization following a Supreme Court ruling favoring the Wadiyars in December 2024.

 

1. Origins of the Dispute (1996 Act)

  • The Karnataka government passed The Bangalore Palace (Acquisition and Transfer) Act, 1996 to take over Palace Grounds.
  • The Act aimed to preserve the palace as a heritage monument and develop green spaces.
  • Compensation of ₹11 crore was fixed for the Wadiyar heirs.
  • The Wadiyars challenged this in court, leading to prolonged legal battles.

 

2. Legal Battles and Government Actions

  • Karnataka High Court upheld the acquisition.
  • Supreme Court (SC) Case: Wadiyars filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in SC.
  • Government acquisitions (1999-2000): BBMP acquired land for road expansion at Vasanthnagar and Mehkri Circle.
  • 2014 SC Order: Allowed land acquisition but directed compensation via Transferable Development Rights (TDR) instead of cash.

3. TDR and Financial Implications

  • TDR Mechanism: Provides landowners with development rights in another area or allows them to sell TDR certificates.
  • Government’s Issue: Initial compensation (₹11 crore) vs. TDR-based compensation (₹3,011 crore at 2024 rates).
  • 2022 SC Rejection: Karnataka's plea to modify the 2014 order was dismissed.
  • State Decision (2022): No further land acquisitions for road widening.

 

4. The 2025 Ordinance

  • Issued following SC's December 2024 order to grant TDR for 15 acres.
  • Government cited financial burden (₹3,011 crore) as a reason to regulate land utilization.
  • The ordinance withdrew TDR compensation, emphasizing public interest and urban planning concerns.
  • Parallel disputes arose over illegal structures in Palace Grounds used for commercial purposes.

 

About the Wadiyar Dynasty

  • Established in 1399 by Yaduraya Wadiyar.
  • Initially ruled as vassals of Vijayanagara Empire (1399-1565).
  • Independent rule (1565-1761), before Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan assumed power.
  • Restored as British allies (1799-1947) after Tipu Sultan’s defeat.
  • Promoted Carnatic music, literature, and temple architecture, making Mysore a cultural hub.

 

Right to Property: Legal Context

  • Originally a Fundamental Right (Article 31, 1950 Constitution).
  • Removed in 1978 (44th Amendment); now a Legal Right under Article 300A.
  • Government must compensate for land acquisition under the Land Acquisition Act, 2013.
  • SC Cases:
  • Keshavananda Bharati Case (1973) – Right to Property not part of Basic Structure.
  • Jilubhai Nanbhai Khachar Case (1995) – Land can be acquired if due process is followed.

 

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/karnataka-govt-vs-wadiyar-heirs-bengaluru-palace-grounds-9818620/