The Karnataka Assembly has passed the Bangalore Palace (Acquisition and Transfer) Bill 2025, granting the state government full control over the 472-acre Bangalore Palace Grounds. This decision directly contradicts a Supreme Court order, which had mandated compensation of ₹3,400 crore in Transferable Development Rights (TDR) to the Mysuru royal family instead of a government takeover.

🔹 Key highlights:

  • The bill allows the state to reclaim sections of land for public infrastructure projects without compensating the royal family.
  • A provision ensures past compensations under court rulings remain valid, further securing government authority.
  • Introduced on March 6, the bill replaces an ordinance issued in January 2025.
  • CM Siddaramaiah defended the decision, citing financial constraints and the need for road-widening projects.

🔹 Decades-long legal battle:
The dispute began in 1996, when Karnataka attempted to seize the land for public use. After a prolonged legal fight, the Supreme Court ruled in December 2024 in favor of the Mysuru royals, ordering a ₹3,014 crore payout for a 15-acre acquisition. Unable to bear the cost, the government bypassed the ruling with an ordinance in January, now replaced by this law.

🔹 Political fallout:
The BJP staged a walkout, accusing the government of undermining judicial authority and setting a dangerous precedent.

The bill cements government control, removing compensation obligations and paving the way for large-scale public projects.