Karnataka HC halts construction near Hoysala-era Rameshwara Temple at Kudli
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has served a notice on the Shree Kudali Arya Akshobhya Teertha Mutt at Kudli in Shivamogga taluk, directing it to stop all construction activities within the prohibited area of the Rameshwara Temple, a 12th-century Hoysala monument protected by the ASI. The action follows an order issued on August 13, 2026, by a Division Bench of the Karnataka High Court.
The Bench, comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice K.S. Hemalekha, heard a public interest litigation filed by Madhusudhan C.G., a resident of Shivamogga, who alleged that the mutt had violated previous stop-work notices issued by the ASI. The court noted that the ASI had served notices on February 7, 2025, and February 18, 2025, directing the mutt to immediately cease construction. Despite these notices, the court observed, construction activities continued.
“In view of the above, we consider it apposite to direct that no further construction shall be raised till the next date of hearing,” the order stated. The matter has been posted for further hearing on November 25, 2026.
On Monday, August 17, 2026, ASI Conservation Assistant Abhilash K. visited the site and served the notice to a representative of the mutt. The temple is located at the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers, and a section of villagers had opposed the construction, citing its proximity to the protected monument.
The controversy dates back to March 2023, when the mutt obtained permission from the National Monuments Authority (NMA) for construction, claiming that its old structure had collapsed due to natural calamities. The NMA granted permission based on a letter purportedly issued by the Shivamogga tehsildar confirming that the old building had been destroyed in floods. However, it later emerged that no such letter had been issued by the tehsildar, casting doubt on the validity of the permission.
The Hindu first reported on the illegal construction in the prohibited area on November 27, 2024. The next day, an ASI Shivamogga Circle official issued a notice to stop work, pointing to “unauthorised additions” in the north-west corner of the site that deviated from the approved drawings submitted to the NMA. Despite this, the mutt continued construction, prompting another report on January 5, 2025, and further notices in February 2025.
The ASI’s latest notice, served pursuant to the High Court’s directive, reiterates the prohibition on any further construction within the prohibited area until the court’s next hearing. The development underscores the ongoing legal and administrative efforts to protect India’s heritage monuments from encroachment and unauthorised construction.
The Rameshwara Temple is a significant example of Hoysala architecture, known for its intricate carvings and historical importance. The ASI has classified the area around the temple as prohibited, and any construction within that zone requires explicit clearance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. The case highlights the need for strict compliance with heritage regulations to preserve such sites for future generations.
