The Karnataka High Court has refused to stay the state government’s decision to transfer the management of Gali Anjaneya Swamy Temple in Bengaluru to the Muzrai Department. A petition filed by the temple trust challenging the move was dismissed on Wednesday.
The single-judge bench led by Justice Sunil Dutt Yadav stated that a further hearing on the matter would take place after two weeks. The petitioners, representing the temple trust, argued that the government acted in haste and without a full inquiry into the temple’s operations. Advocate P. Prasanna Kumar, appearing for the trust, claimed that all required documents were submitted and that the takeover decision was based on incomplete information.
However, government counsel denied the allegations, stating that the trust had failed to provide details regarding its financial and administrative functioning. Serious accusations of misappropriation and corruption were also levelled against trust members. Officials noted that despite repeated notices, the trust failed to disclose proper financial records and reportedly showed donations received over 19 years as expenditures without evidence.
The government maintained that transferring the temple to the Muzrai Department was necessary for transparency and public trust. Many devotees have welcomed the decision, believing it will restore proper governance and accountability in temple affairs. The court’s decision clears the way for the state to proceed with its administrative takeover of the temple. The matter remains under judicial consideration, and a detailed hearing is expected in the coming weeks.