The 25-Year Legal Fight That Redefined ISKCON’s Leadership
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Synopsis of the Article:
The Supreme Court of India ruled in favor of ISKCON-Bangalore, declaring that the ISKCON Hare Krishna Hill Temple in Bangalore belongs to ISKCON-Bangalore society, not ISKCON-Mumbai.
The verdict ended a 25-year-long legal battle between the two societies, affirming Srila Prabhupada as the sole Acharya of ISKCON.
The dispute began after Srila Prabhupada’s Maha Samadhi in 1977, when ISKCON-Mumbai leaders declared themselves his successors, contrary to his Ritvik initiation directive.
ISKCON-Bangalore, led by Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa, stood firm on Prabhupada’s teachings and resisted pressure from Mumbai’s self-proclaimed gurus.
In 2000, ISKCON-Mumbai attempted to take control of the Bangalore temple, leading to a long court battle.
The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) had allotted the land to ISKCON-Bangalore in 1988, and the temple was built with funds raised in Bangalore.
The Supreme Court’s decision prevents ISKCON-Mumbai from interfering in ISKCON-Bangalore’s management or expelling its devotees.
Today, ISKCON-Bangalore has expanded to 25 temples in India and 8 temples abroad, with over 1000 full-time missionaries and 10,000 congregational devotees.
The globally renowned Akshaya Patra Foundation was initiated from ISKCON-Bangalore, feeding 23 lakh children daily across 17 states in India.
In a monumental judgment, the Supreme Court of India declared that the iconic ISKCON Hare Krishna Hill Temple in Bangalore rightfully belongs to ISKCON-Bangalore Society and not ISKCON-Mumbai Society. This decision ends a 25-year-long legal battle fought with immense patience and faith by the devotees of ISKCON-Bangalore.
The heart of this conflict dates back to 1977, when Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, passed away. Before his Maha Samadhi (passing away), Srila Prabhupada had established a Ritvik system of initiation, instructing that all future devotees would be his direct disciples and he would remain the sole Acharya (spiritual leader) of ISKCON. However, after his passing, leaders from ISKCON-Mumbai claimed to be his successors, which led to a deep division within the community.
The real struggle began in 2000 when ISKCON-Mumbai attempted to take over the Hare Krishna Hill Temple in Bangalore, even though the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) had allotted the land to ISKCON-Bangalore back in 1988. This sparked a long legal fight that spanned over two decades, with ISKCON-Bangalore, led by Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa, standing firm on Srila Prabhupada’s original instructions.
The Supreme Court’s ruling on May 16, 2025, was a major victory for ISKCON-Bangalore. The court recognized that the land was indeed allotted to ISKCON-Bangalore, and the funds to build the temple were raised locally. It also barred ISKCON-Mumbai from interfering with the management of ISKCON-Bangalore.
In a heartfelt statement, Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa, President of ISKCON-Bangalore and Founder of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, expressed joy over the verdict. He emphasized that this ruling now allows devotees to practice their faith with the understanding that Srila Prabhupada remains the only Acharya of ISKCON.
Over the last 25 years, ISKCON-Bangalore has flourished. It now operates 25 temples across India and 8 temples abroad. It also nurtures over 1000 full-time missionaries and 10,000 congregational devotees.
Moreover, the Akshaya Patra Foundation, which began as a kitchen in ISKCON-Bangalore, has grown into one of the largest midday meal programs in the world, serving 23 lakh children daily across 17 states in India. This humanitarian initiative stands as a testament to the group’s commitment to “Food for Life” and community service.
The Supreme Court’s decision brings hope for ISKCON devotees worldwide to follow Srila Prabhupada’s teachings without fear of interference. The devotees of ISKCON-Bangalore can now freely serve, worship, and spread the message of Hare Krishna as Srila Prabhupada intended.
This historic victory marks the beginning of a new era of peace and devotion for ISKCON-Bangalore, cementing its place as a spiritual beacon for thousands of followers across the globe.
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