The Karnataka High Court has issued notice on a petition filed by a former sanitation worker seeking expeditious completion of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe in the Dharmasthala burial case. The matter relates to allegations that human bodies were buried on the premises of the Dharmasthala temple complex without proper legal procedure.
The Dharmasthala Burial Case
Dharmasthala is a famous religious and pilgrimage centre in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, known for the Manjunatha temple. The burial case pertains to allegations that bodies were buried on the Dharmasthala premises, raising questions about the circumstances of these burials and whether proper legal procedures were followed.
A Special Investigation Team was constituted to investigate the matter following complaints and media coverage of the issue. The SIT investigation has been ongoing for some time.
Former Sanitation Worker’s Petition
The petitioner, a former sanitation worker who apparently had knowledge of or connection to the matter, approached the Karnataka High Court seeking directions for expeditious completion of the SIT probe. The petitioner alleged that the investigation was moving slowly and that there was a risk that evidence might be lost or the matter might be allowed to die down without a proper conclusion.
High Court’s Response
The Karnataka High Court issued notice to the relevant respondents, including the SIT and the State government, seeking their response on the petitioner’s prayer for expeditious completion of the investigation. The Court’s intervention signals its willingness to monitor the progress of the SIT probe.
Religious Institutions and Accountability
This case touches on important questions about accountability and transparency in the management of religious institutions. The fact that a High Court is monitoring the investigation into alleged irregularities at a prominent religious site reflects the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that all institutions — including religious ones — are subject to the rule of law.
Court: Karnataka High Court | Source: LiveLaw | June 2026
