Karnataka strengthens control over Bengaluru Palace Grounds, blocks TDR to royal family

The Karnataka government has reinforced its authority over the Bengaluru Palace Grounds by passing an amendment bill, effectively denying Transferable Development Rights (TDR) to the Mysuru royal family. The Bengaluru Palace (Utilisation and Regulation of Land) (Amendment) Bill was approved by the Assembly and Council on Friday, solidifying state control over the 472-acre estate.

Also read: Karnataka Government drops TDR proposal for Bengaluru Palace Grounds amid legal row

The decision follows a January 24 cabinet resolution to reject TDR for approximately 16 acres within the Palace Grounds. To formalize this move, the government issued an ordinance on January 29. Officials argue that granting TDR for this land is not in the state’s best interest.

The amendment clarifies that land acquired under the Bangalore Palace (Acquisition and Transfer) Act, 1996, will be utilized for infrastructure projects.

Additionally, the bill ensures that TDR provisions under Section 14B of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act will not apply to land vested with the government under the 1996 legislation. This effectively blocks any compensation claims by the royal family through TDR.

The move is seen as a strategic effort by the state to regulate the use of Palace Grounds, which have long been at the center of legal disputes between the government and the Mysuru royals.