The Supreme Court recently delivered a split verdict on a batch of review petitions filed by ISKCON Mumbai seeking reconsideration of the Court’s May 2025 ruling that recognised ISKCON Bangalore as an independent legal entity and owner of the Hare Krishna Temple in Bengaluru [ISKCON Mumbai vs. ISKCON Bangalore & Ors.].

While Justice JK Maheshwari allowed the review petitions and listed them for further hearing, Justice AG Masih dismissed them.

Notably, Justice Masih was part of the original bench led by Justice Abhay S Oka that had passed the verdict in ISKCON Bangalore's favour.

The May 16 verdict had ruled that ISKCON Bangalore is a distinct legal entity registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1960, and not a branch of ISKCON Mumbai.

The Court then had upheld the trial court’s finding recognising ISKCON Bangalore’s independent status and ownership of the Hare Krishna Temple in Bengaluru, while setting aside the Karnataka High Court’s 2011 decision that had favoured ISKCON Mumbai.

In view of the differing opinions on the review plea, the matter will now be placed before the Chief Justice of India for appropriate directions.

[Read Judgement]