The Art of Living Foundation has issued a detailed clarification following media reports about an alleged encroachment case involving its Bengaluru-based ashram, stating that Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s name has been incorrectly mentioned and that the matter is currently under consideration before the High Court.
In a statement released by the organisation, the trust said the allegations being circulated are misleading and do not accurately reflect the facts of the case. It urged media outlets and the public to rely on the official clarification and avoid spreading incomplete information while the matter remains sub judice.
According to the statement, the Art of Living Ashram, formally known as Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth, was originally granted 60 acres of land on lease by the government. However, the organisation claims that it is currently in possession of significantly less land than allotted and is, in fact, entitled to receive nearly 20 additional acres from the authorities.
The foundation also dismissed allegations that it had constructed an apartment complex on a rajakaluve (stormwater drain) as “completely false”. The statement asserted that the complaint itself mentions that the alleged drain lies within the compound of an apartment complex, which is outside the ashram premises.
Citing revenue records and village maps, the organisation further maintained that no rajakaluve exists within the survey numbers linked to the ashram. It described the allegations as being made with “malicious intent” to tarnish the reputation of the institution.
The Art of Living also pointed out that the Bengaluru Metropolitan Task Force (BMTF) had previously examined similar complaints in multiple years 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023, and found them to be baseless after investigations.
Despite those findings, the organisation said attempts are once again being made to initiate proceedings on the same allegations. It added that individuals named in the complaint have already approached the courts, arguing that the action constitutes an abuse of legal process intended to harm the reputation of the institution and those associated with it.
Reiterating its position, the foundation stated that there has been no encroachment of government land by the trust or any individual connected to it. It also confirmed that appropriate legal steps have been taken to challenge what it described as “malicious” proceedings.
The organisation has appealed to the public and media to refrain from drawing conclusions until the High Court adjudicates the matter.
