Supreme Court Delivers Split Verdict on ISKCON Mumbai's Review Plea
The Supreme Court of India has issued a split verdict in a review petition filed by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Mumbai. The petition sought reconsideration of an earlier judgment declaring that the ISKCON temple in Bengaluru belonged to the ISKCON Society Bangalore.
The two-judge bench, comprising Justice JK Maheshwari and Justice AG Masih, could not reach a unanimous decision. As a result, the matter has been referred to the Chief Justice of India for further action.
Background of the Case
In May, a bench led by Justice Abhay S Oka (now retired) and Justice AG Masih overturned a Karnataka High Court ruling which had earlier stated that the Bengaluru temple belonged to ISKCON Mumbai. This judgment granted ownership rights to ISKCON Bangalore.
After Justice Oka’s retirement, the Mumbai society sought a review of the Supreme Court’s decision. The case was then heard by a new bench headed by Justice Maheshwari with Justice Masih also participating.
Judges’ Differing Opinions
- Justice JK Maheshwari supported listing the review petition for an open court hearing and issued a notice to the respondents.
- Justice AG Masih dismissed the review petition, reasoning that there was no apparent error in the original judgment that required reconsideration.
“There was no error apparent on the record of the judgment to warrant a review,” Justice Masih observed.
Next Steps
Given the split verdict, the Chief Justice of India will now decide how the matter should proceed.
Author’s Summary: The Supreme Court’s divided decision on ISKCON’s temple ownership dispute leaves the final resolution pending before the Chief Justice of India.