Court orders submission of evidence on land encroachment by ISKCON

Kathmandu, November 28 — The Kathmandu District Court has issued an order seeking evidence and written responses in connection with a case alleging that the Radha Krishna Temple (ISKCON) in Budhanilkantha has encroached on government land.

The order was passed by District Judge Dhruba Raj Karki's bench.

The case was filed five months ago by law students Jasmine Ojha and Arshi Dhakal. They alleged that private buildings were illegally constructed on government land for personal use, and that the encroachment endangered the existence of the Bishnumati River. Their petition demands the demolition of such structures and the restoration of public land to its original state.

The petitioners argue that the case is not just about protecting the history and existence of the Bishnumati River but also about preventing further encroachment in areas like the Shivapuri National Park region.

During the initial hearing, the court directed the concerned administrative officer at Budhanilkantha Municipality to respond regarding the construction of buildings on public property and the return of encroached land. The court also ordered a field inspection and submission of a report.

The court further stated that inquiries should be made into the status of the petition, registered at the Land Revenue Office in Chabahil and the Kathmandu District Administration Office, to determine whether any action has been initiated. The court requested written responses from these offices regarding the current status of the land.

Additionally, the court instructed the municipality to submit a copy of the decision made during its 52nd executive meeting regarding this matter. It also ordered the Land Revenue Office to provide a certified copy of the ownership deed associated with the disputed land.