The Karnataka Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has decided to take control of the land associated with the Bengaluru Palace Grounds, situated in the heart of the city. This land is owned by the Mysuru royal family, who have expressed intentions to challenge the move legally.
Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, H.K. Patil, confirmed that the Cabinet reviewed the Bengaluru Palace Grounds Usage and Regulation Ordinance, 2025, which was passed on January 29, 2025. The Governor has given approval for the Ordinance, which grants the government authority over the land. Minister Patil stated that the government is empowered to act according to the law and will take necessary actions.
The Ordinance also aims to resolve ongoing legal disputes between the government and the royal family regarding the land’s usage. Minister Patil noted that the government is contending that certain structures on the land are illegal.
A Supreme Court ruling on December 10, 2024, concerning compensation for 15 acres of the Palace Grounds via Transferable Development Rights (TDR) has made the road-widening plan unfeasible. As a result, the Bengaluru road expansion project has been scrapped, in the public interest, under the new Ordinance.
Further, the Cabinet decided to promote development in surrounding towns like Devanahalli and Magadi, creating satellite townships with improved connectivity. It also approved a scheme for 10 villages in Ramanagara district under the Greater Bengaluru Development Authority. Additionally, the Cabinet approved an increase in sports reservation quotas for police recruitment and planned administrative restructuring of public companies.
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