Bengaluru: The Karnataka Forest Department has formally sought the restoration of 10 acres of land at Abhiman Studio in south Bengaluru, weeks after the demolition of a memorial dedicated to late Sandalwood actor Vishnuvardhan. Officials said the allottees had repeatedly violated lease conditions and attempted to sell the land to a private party.
Land Retains Forest Status Since 1935
The disputed land at Mylasandra village in Kengeri hobli was originally classified as forest land. According to forest officials, no government order has denotified it since its inclusion under Turahalli State Forest in 1935.
Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) N. Ravindra Kumar, in a letter to the Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner, wrote that the allottees entered into an agreement to sell the land for ₹144 crore. “Given the repeated violations of government-imposed conditions, the allotment must be withdrawn and the land restored to the forest department,” the letter stated.
Supreme Court Ruling Strengthens Claim
The department also cited the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union of India, which prohibits diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes without prior central approval. The ruling also bars leasing or transferring such land to private entities.
Officials said the allottees had violated conditions by attempting a private sale without approval. “The 10 acres still in their possession must, therefore, be withdrawn and restored to the forest department,” the DCF asserted.
The final decision on the land’s fate now rests with the Bengaluru Urban district administration, which will review the forest department’s request.
