HC stays SIT probe in Art of Living land case, cites procedural lapse

Court intervenes in land dispute probe

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday stayed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the alleged land encroachment case involving the Art of Living organisation. The court observed that the procedure was not followed while constituting the SIT, and halted its proceedings until further orders.

The order comes as a setback to the state government's move to investigate the matter through a special team. The High Court's intervention follows a petition challenging the formation of the SIT, arguing that it violated due process.

What the court said

Justice, while hearing the matter, noted that the manner in which the SIT was set up did not adhere to the prescribed legal framework. The bench did not elaborate on the specific procedural lapses but made it clear that the probe cannot continue until the issue is resolved.

Lawyers involved in the case said the stay will remain in effect until the next hearing. The court has not yet fixed a date for the next hearing, leaving the investigation in limbo.

Background of the case

The Art of Living organisation has been embroiled in a legal tussle over allegations of land encroachment in Bengaluru. The case relates to claims that the organisation illegally occupied government land, leading to demands for a thorough investigation.

The state government had earlier ordered the SIT to look into the matter, citing the complexity of the case. However, the petitioners argued that the SIT was constituted without following the required procedure, making its formation legally untenable.

Reactions and next steps

While the Art of Living organisation has not issued an official statement yet, its legal representatives are likely to welcome the High Court's decision. The state government, on the other hand, may seek to rectify the procedural issues and approach the court for a vacation of the stay.

Observers note that the stay could delay the investigation significantly, as the matter may now go through multiple rounds of litigation. The court is expected to hear the case in detail in the coming weeks, where it will examine the legality of the SIT's formation.

For now, the SIT has been directed not to proceed with any further action in the case. The development marks a significant turn in a case that has seen political and legal wrangling.

All eyes will be on the next hearing, where the court's final decision on the SIT's fate will determine the course of the investigation.