“The modalities for implementing the Supreme Court's order regarding conducting of events in the Bangalore Palace is being discussed with the Karnataka government,” said the application filed by Advocate Vikas Mehta for Mr Wadiyar.

The Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Arijit Pasayat adjourned the matter.

Mr Wadiyar had opposed the acquisition of the sprawling Bangalore Palace in the heart of the City saying that it was his private property and the Karnataka government could not forcibly acquire it.

For public
The Karnataka government had stated before the court that the 462-acres expansive premises having a Palace inside had been acquired by the State for the benefit of the public.

How could the Government acquire the property paying Rs 9 crore and that too adjusting the amount against some income tax claimed to be outstanding against the former ruler? Senior Advocate Arun Jaitley had said appearing for Mr Waidyar on the last date of hearing.

State government Advocate Sanjay Hegde had submitted that the premises was acquired to preserve the Palace as a heritage site, to set up a Botanical garden and to develop a green area in the heart of the City for the public good.

Approached SC
The Karnataka government has approached the Supreme Court for restraining the Wadiyar family from renting out the Palace for a hotel, premises for holding exhibitions, entertainment activities, wedding parties, schools, hospitals and also storage place for sand, fruits and other perishable items.

“The so-called schools for cricket, tennis, go-carting, horse riding and other activities are proliferating and damaging the scenic atmosphere of the area.

If all these activities are not put to an end, the very purpose of preserving the entire area as a much-needed lung space and garden for the fast growing City will be defeated causing irreparable injury and defeating the laudable objectives of the acquisition,” said the petition filed by the Government.

The Wadiyars have challenged the validity of the Act before the Court, claiming that the property belonged to them. The Karnataka High Court has upheld the acquisition of the Palace by the State government.