Bengaluru, Jan 11: The High Court of Karnataka on Wednesday ordered status quo on the unveiling of Adiyogi statue and the opening of Isha Yoga Centre at the foothill of the Nandi Hills near here.

Issuing notices to the State, the yoga centre, and 14 other respondents, the court issued the interim order of stay.

The statue was scheduled to be inaugurated by Sadguru's Isha Foundation on January 15.

The public interest litigation (PIL) alleged that a commercial enterprise was being set up in an ecologically fragile environment and that the government has illegally allotted land for the purpose.

The PIL was filed by Kyathappa S and a few other villagers from Chikkaballapura.

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Ecology, Karnataka government, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, and Isha Yoga Centre, Coimbatore, are among the 16 respondents.

The PIL alleges that the grievance is that the authorities allowed in blatant violation destroying the environment eco system, watershed, core command area of Nandi Hills, NDB Foothills in Chikkaballapura Hobli to establish a private foundation at the base of the famous Nandi Hills at the instance of spiritual guru of the yoga centre to establish commercial activities in the core area of greenery hillock viz. Panchagiri Nandi Range.

The PIL says the authorities allowed for destructing, defacing the eco system, environment and natural rainwater streams, water bodies, water feeder streams in the foothill of Nandi Hills and Narasimha Devaru Range (Betta) in existence for several centuries in violation of environmental laws, which having direct impact on the living, livelihood, cattle, sheep, wild animals, in the region of Nandi Hills.

The PIL claims that the rivers north Pinakini and south Pinakini originate in Nandi Hills, which would be affected.

It says the yoga centre brought a metal idol of Lord Shiva and assembled to deface the land for the idol installation overnight.

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Mangaluru: Students, parents and educators gathered in large numbers at the Bearys Knowledge Campus (BKC),  here at Innoli during the “Campus Connect & Talent Hunt – 2026” held on Saturday, April 11. 

The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr. C. Kamalakannan, Principal of Bearys Institute of Technology (BIT), Mangalore.

Speaking at the event, Dr. C. Kamalakannan emphasized the importance of holistic education and encouraged students to explore opportunities that nurture both academic and personal growth. 

Dr. S. I. Manjur Basha, Director of BKC, addressed the gathering and highlighted the institution’s commitment to excellence in education and student development.

The program was effectively anchored by Master of Ceremony  Joyson Merinda, who ensured smooth coordination throughout the event.

During the event, a total of 36 meritorious students were recognized and awarded for their academic achievements. The initiative aimed to support and motivate deserving students in pursuing higher education.  

More than 200 students from schools and colleges in and around Mangalore actively participated in the event. 

 Riyaz, Secretary of MIEF, Mangalore, delivered an inspiring message, encouraging students to take advantage of educational opportunities and career guidance initiatives. 

The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Abdul Latheef, Principal of BIPUC, who expressed gratitude to the organizers, participants, and guests for making the event a grand success. 

The program also featured career guidance sessions, a technical and science expo, and a food festival, making it an enriching and memorable experience for all attendees.