Mysuru: The Karnataka High Court (HC) yesterday resumed the hearing of a petition filed by Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, a member of the Mysore royal family, challenging the legality of the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple Development Authority, established under the Shree Chamundeshwari Kshetra Development Authority Act, 2024.

A Single-Judge Bench led by Justice Hemant Chandangoudar is hearing the case.

Advocate Manasi Kumar, representing the petitioner, argued that the Authority was formed under the guise of development, violating rules and laws, and infringing upon properties traditionally owned by the royal family.

Manasi Kumar submitted a petition with additional documents, urging the Court to quash the notification that established the Authority.

The advocate also asserted that the Chamundeshwari Temple area is private property of the royal family and the Government has no jurisdiction to intervene. The formation of the Development Authority would place the Temple’s assets and valuables under Government control, potentially disrupting its centuries-old religious practices and traditions.

Today (Oct. 15), Additional Advocate General Devadas is expected to present arguments on behalf of the State Government.

Sources suggest he will argue that the Government’s order to create the exclusive Chamundi Hill Development Authority is crucial for providing essential facilities to millions of devotees who visit to seek blessings from Goddess Chamundeshwari, the region’s presiding deity.

He will argue that the Government’s decision is impossible to revoke and he is expected to produce additional documents in support of his stand, sources said.