The ordinance explains that the total value of the entire extent of 472 acres and 16 guntas of Bangalore Palace has been determined in accordance with the Act at Rs 11 crore.
The ordinance explains that the total value of the entire extent of 472 acres and 16 guntas of Bangalore Palace has been determined in accordance with the Act at Rs 11 crore.(Photo | Express)

Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot promulgates ordinance empowering government to utilise Bangalore Palace land

Its constitutional validity has been upheld by the High Court, and there is no stay on the operation of the act by the Supreme Court.
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BENGALURU: Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot promulgated the Bangalore Palace (Utilisation and regulation of land) ordinance, 2025, passed by the state government, and it was published in the state’s gazette (extraordinary) on Wednesday.

With this, the utilisation and regulation of land of Bangalore Palace, belonging to the erstwhile Mysuru royal family – acquired under the Bangalore Palace (Acquisition and Transfer) Act, 1996 (Karnataka Act 18 of 1996), now vests with the state government.

The cabinet on Friday had decided to promulgate the ordinance in the wake of a Supreme Court order dated December 10, 2024 that the government has to pay Rs 3,014 to the royal family as compensation to utilise 15 acres 17.5 guntas of land to widen the Jayamahal and Ballari road on a 2 km stretch. If that order had to be honoured, it would burden the state’s exchequer, the government argued. It is interesting to see if the government resumes the road widening work or waits for SC’s final judgment.

The ordinance explains that the total value of the entire extent of 472 acres and 16 guntas of Bangalore Palace has been determined in accordance with the Act at Rs 11 crore. Its constitutional validity has been upheld by the High Court, and there is no stay on the operation of the act by the Supreme Court.

However, the Supreme Court in a contempt case (No. 688 of 2021 etc) has directed the government to grant Transferable Development Rights (TDR), valuing the part of the Bangalore Palace earmarked for the purpose, in accordance with the prevailing guidance value of adjoining areas in accordance with section 45B of the Karnataka Stamp Act, 1957 (Karnataka Act 34 of 1957).

The civil appeals relating to the constitutional validity of the act are pending consideration of the Supreme Court and the grant of the TDR will be an irreversible process, which will have a severe ramification on the state, it added.

Since the Assembly and Council are not in session, the governor is satisfied that the circumstances exist which render it necessary and expedient to exercise powers under Article 213 (1) of the Constitution, and promulgated the Ordinance which shall come into force on Jan 27, 2025, the gazette notification stated.

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