Archive · 5 Aug 2025
Judge Recuses from Dharmasthala Secret Burials Case
A judge in Bengaluru stepped aside from a case about secret burials near a temple because someone pointed out he used to study at a school run by the temple.
This happened after the judge told the media not to report on the case.
A higher court already said the original order was too broad.
Now, another judge will take over the case.
A judge recused himself from a case involving allegations of secret burials at the Sree Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara temple.
The judge's recusal followed an application citing a potential conflict of interest.
The gag order was related to media reports on allegations against the temple administration.
The Karnataka High Court previously referred the initial gag order back to the civil court.
The case has been transferred to another court for further proceedings.
- Who
- A judge from the Bengaluru civil court.
- What
- A judge recused himself from a case about secret burials.
- When
- The recusal occurred recently.
- Where
- Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- Why
- Due to a potential conflict of interest.
Media
Temple Administration
Reporting the case
Media
Right to report the case.
Temple Administration
Gag order
- Original Case
- Dharmasthala ‘secret burials’
- Judge's Name
- Vijaya Kumar Rai
- Court of Transfer
- XVII Additional City Civil and Sessions Judge, Bengaluru
- Involved Party
- Harshendra Kumar D
- Reason for Recusal
- Potential conflict of interest