The Bengaluru Central City Corporation has cancelled a decades-old lease granted to the Maha Bodhi Society over alleged unauthorised sub-letting of a prime property in the city.
The civic body has also directed the society to vacate the 44,545-square-foot plot on T Mariyappa Road within 15 days.
Lease dates back to 1970s
According to officials, the land in Jayanagar 1st Block was leased to the society through agreements signed in 1971 and 1974 for a period of 99 years.
However, a March 13 order by the joint commissioner cited “gross violations” of lease conditions and cancelled both lease deeds with immediate effect.
Allegations of commercial use
The corporation alleged that portions of the land were sub-leased to private individuals without approval.
Officials claimed around 4,900 sq ft was rented out for Rs 50,000 per month, while hospital premises on the property were allegedly leased to a private entity for up to Rs 25 lakh per month, along with a security deposit of Rs 1.75 crore.
Authorities said such transactions were reportedly executed through unregistered agreements, while the original civic lease charged a nominal rent of Rs 125 annually.
Inspection led to action
The order stated that a joint inspection by revenue and health officials in July 2023 confirmed violations and found parts of the property were being used for private commercial purposes instead of public welfare services such as healthcare and community support.
A show-cause notice was issued in February 2025, and the reply submitted by the society was deemed unsatisfactory.
Society to move court
Office-bearers of the Maha Bodhi Society denied wrongdoing and said the land was being used only for charitable and medical purposes.
They said the organisation would approach the Karnataka High Court for relief, alleging vested interests were targeting the prime property.