Synopsis

The petitioners (veterinary associations) filed a public interest litigation challenging the Government Order dated 08.01.2026 transferring 7 acres of land belonging to the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Science University (KVAFSU) at Hebbal, Bengaluru – 4 acres for construction of additional residential quarters for High Court Judges and 3 acres for a Super‑Speciality Hospital for the general public. The petitioners contended that the land was essential for teaching, research, and compliance with Veterinary Council of India norms. The High Court dismissed the PIL, holding that: (i) the petitioners lacked locus standi as registered societies cannot file PILs; (ii) the Veterinary College had excess land (317.73 acres) far exceeding the minimum requirement (30‑150 acres); (iii) providing official residences to High Court Judges is integral to judicial independence, which is a basic structure of the Constitution; (iv) policy decisions are not amenable to judicial review unless arbitrary, mala fide, or procedurally improper.

1. Heading of the judgment

High court of karnataka at bengaluru

Writ petition no. 6908 of 2026 (pil)

Karnataka veterinary association & ors. (petitioners) vs. The state of karnataka & ors. (respondents)

Coram: hon’ble mr. justice d.k. singh and hon’ble mr. justice t.m. nadav

Core Law: Constitution of India – Article 226 – Public Interest Litigation – Independence of Judiciary – Policy decision – Judicial review – Land transfer for judges’ residences – Doctrine of separation of powers.

Court: High Court of Karnataka at Bengaluru
Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice D.K. Singh and Hon’ble Mr. Justice T.M. Nadav (Division Bench)
Date of Judgment: June 12, 2026 (Reserved on April 15, 2026)
Case No.: Writ Petition No. 6908 of 2026 (PIL)

2. Legal framework

Major laws and provisions involved:

• Constitution of India – Article 226 (writ jurisdiction), basic structure doctrine (independence of judiciary as basic feature)

• Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1960 – Section 3 (registration of societies)

• Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Science University Act, 2004 – Sections 8(1), 10, 26, 28 (powers of Board of Management to hold and transfer property)

• High Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1954 – Rule 2A (residence of Judges)

• Veterinary Council of India – Minimum Standards of Veterinary Education Regulations, 2016 – Clause 22(2) (minimum 30 acres land)

Subject matter of the judgment:

Whether the State Government’s decision to transfer 7 acres of land from a veterinary university to the High Court for construction of Judges’ residences and a Super‑Speciality Hospital for the public is arbitrary or against public interest, and whether such decision is amenable to judicial review in a public interest litigation filed by registered societies.

Key legal principles applied:

• Independence of Judicia

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