The Karnataka government has established an SIT to probe land encroachment allegations against the Art of Living Foundation, with a report due in three months.
New Delhi, India Jul 22, 2026 ALN: The Karnataka government has recently taken a significant step in addressing serious allegations of land encroachment involving the Art of Living (AoL) Foundation, a prominent spiritual and educational organization, by constituting an 11-member Special Investigation Team (SIT). This team will be headed by senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Amalan Aditya Biswas. The SIT has been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into claims that the AoL Foundation has encroached upon land designated for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities in the Bengaluru Urban district. The government has mandated the SIT to complete its inquiry and submit a comprehensive report within a three-month timeframe.
Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister G Parameshwara addressed the media in Bengaluru, stating that the Art of Living Foundation is in possession of approximately 270 acres of land, of which it is alleged that 150 acres are unlawfully appropriated from SC and ST communities. The minister noted that there have been prior complaints regarding land encroachment, which necessitated the formation of the SIT for a more detailed investigation.
The establishment of the SIT is grounded in the Karnataka Land Revenue Act of 1964, specifically under Section 195, and the Karnataka Land Revenue Rules of 2011. This legal framework provides the SIT with the authority to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into allegations of government land encroachment not just against the Art of Living Foundation, but also involving its affiliated organizations and other individuals named in a writ petition submitted to the Karnataka High Court. Notably, these organizations include the Veda Vijnana Maha Vidya Peeth Institute, Sumeru Global Support Services Pvt Ltd, and Sumeru Realty Pvt Ltd.
The investigation will focus on specific areas, particularly Survey No. 46 and adjacent villages within Kaggalipura, BM Kaval, Agara, and other locales in the Uttarahalli hobli of Bengaluru South taluk. This targeted approach aims to ascertain the veracity of the claims made against the Art of Living and its associates.
According to the government order issued on July 17, a survey conducted in October 2025 under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Land Records revealed that the Art of Living Foundation and certain associated individuals allegedly took possession of more than 290 acres of government gomala (grazing) land through various means, including grants, lease arrangements, and other contentious transactions. This raises serious questions about the legality of the land transactions and the integrity of the processes involved.
The SIT's responsibilities will include examining all pertinent land records, verifying the beneficiaries of government land grants and their legal heirs, identifying any forged or fraudulent documents, and investigating potential violations in the land grant process. This thorough examination is crucial to ensuring that any illegal activities are identified and addressed appropriately.
In response to the government's decision to form an SIT, the Art of Living Foundation has categorically denied all allegations of land encroachment. The organization has expressed its willingness to cooperate fully with the investigation, welcoming the formation of the SIT. In a statement, the foundation asserted that a previous government survey conducted five months ago found that, of the 60 acres allotted to the organization, it is currently in possession of only 36 acres, while the remaining 24 acres have not yet been officially handed over to them.
Furthermore, the Art of Living Foundation has raised concerns regarding what it perceives as a politically motivated attack against it. Without naming specific individuals, the foundation alleged that the proceedings are being driven by an MLC who is reportedly facing serious allegations in a separate criminal case. This assertion introduces a layer of complexity to the investigation, as it suggests that the motivations behind the allegations could be influenced by personal or political agendas.
In addition to these claims, the foundation has indicated that it possesses phone recordings that allegedly demonstrate attempts by certain individuals to extort money from them. This claim, if substantiated, could have serious implications not only for the individuals involved but also for the integrity of the investigation itself. The foundation has stated that it has submitted all relevant documents to the authorities to support its position.
The Art of Living Foundation has expressed confidence in the judicial process, stating that it believes the investigation will ultimately establish the truth and clear its name. This sentiment reflects a broader trust in the legal system and its ability to handle complex cases involving allegations of misconduct.
The implications of this investigation extend beyond the immediate parties involved. The outcome of the SIT's inquiry could set a precedent for how similar cases of land encroachment are handled in Karnataka and potentially across India. Land rights, particularly for marginalized communities such as SCs and STs, are a critical issue in the country, and any findings that affirm or refute the allegations against the Art of Living Foundation could influence public perception and policy regarding land ownership and rights.
Moreover, the case highlights the ongoing tensions between spiritual organizations and governmental oversight in India. As organizations like the Art of Living Foundation engage in various land transactions, questions arise regarding the transparency and legality of these dealings. The investigation may prompt a broader discussion about the regulatory frameworks governing land use and the protection of community rights.
As the SIT embarks on its inquiry, the situation remains fluid, with potential developments that could impact not only the Art of Living Foundation but also the communities allegedly affected by these land encroachments. Stakeholders from various sectors, including legal experts, community leaders, and civil rights advocates, will be closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds, anticipating the SIT's findings and their implications for land governance in Karnataka.
In conclusion, the formation of the SIT to investigate the Art of Living Foundation's alleged land encroachment marks a significant moment in the intersection of spirituality, land rights, and government accountability in India. The next few months will be critical in determining the outcome of this investigation and its broader implications for the community and the legal landscape surrounding land ownership in the region.
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