On May 26, 2025, the Karnataka government approached the Supreme Court to challenge a directive mandating the release of Transferable Development Rights (TDR) certificates worth ₹3,011 crore to the heirs of the erstwhile Mysore royal family. This dispute centers on 15 acres of land acquired in 1996 from the Bangalore Palace Grounds for infrastructure projects, including the expansion of Ballari and Jayamahal Roads.

The Supreme Court had previously, on May 22, ordered the issuance of TDR certificates to the royal heirs in a contempt proceeding. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the Karnataka government, contended that Section 14B of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act—which permits TDR—was introduced only in 2004 and should not apply retroactively to acquisitions made in 1996. He emphasized that the original compensation of ₹11 crore had already been settled under the 1996 Bangalore Palace (Acquisition and Transfer) Act.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the state’s plea on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. The Karnataka government seeks a stay on the release of the TDR certificates until the court addresses the legal questions surrounding the applicability of the TDR provision to this case.

Sources