High Court Issues suo motu Contempt Notice against ISKCON

BY: STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Dec 18, BANGALORE, INDIA (EXPRESS NEWS SVC) — The High Court has issued suo motu contempt notice against International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and four advocates who are appearing for ISKCON. A division bench headed by Justice Manjula Chellur issued the contempt notice to Jai Chaitanya das, secretary of ISKCON, Madhu Pandit das, President of Bangalore ISKCON, SKV Chalapathi, senior advocate, V.H. Ron, Ramesh Babu and Maruthi Prasad, advocates defending Bangalore ISKCON in a case filed by Mumbai ISKCON.

It is alleged that ISKCON Bangalore and its advocates are scandalising the judiciary.

A photograph sent to Justice Manjunath shows him receiving an idol of Lord Krishna as a gift from ISKCON, Bangalore during his visit to the temple in 2003.

The High Court on September 15 directed its registry to initiate suo motu contempt against ISKCON and its advocates.

THE CASE

In July 2009, Mumbai ISKCON had filed an appeal challenging the lower court order which declared ISKCON Bangalore as the absolute owner of the Sri Radha Krishna Temple, Bangalore. ISKCON Bangalore, had filed a suit in the lower court seeking restraining orders against ISKCON Mumbai.

After hearing the arguments of both the sides for nine years, the City Civil Court had declared ISKCON Bangalore as the owner of the Sri Radha Krishna Temple. ISKCON Mumbai, has challenged the lower court order in the High Court.