The aryavarth Express
Bengaluru: In a major blow to one of India’s most elite golf resorts, the Karnataka High Court has upheld a ₹982 crore penalty on Chamundeshwari Build Tech Pvt. Ltd., the promoters of Eagleton Golf Resort, for illegally encroaching on 77 acres of government land near Bidadi on the outskirts of Bengaluru.
The High Court labelled the company a “non-genuine litigant” and criticized its attempts to stall government action over two decades through continuous litigation.
Background: Two Decades of Dispute
The issue of land encroachment at Eagleton dates back more than 22 years, when a public interest litigation first raised concerns about the illegal occupation of public land. A detailed survey conducted in 2010 revealed that Eagleton had encroached on over 132 acres of government property. While about 28 acres were reclaimed in 2014, the remaining 77 acres and 19 guntas continue to be held by the private company.
Despite repeated orders, the company refused to comply with land recovery directives or pay fines based on the fair market value determined by the government.
High Court Verdict: No Room for Excuses
In its recent order, the High Court dismissed the petition by Chamundeshwari Build Tech, noting:
“The petitioner is not a bona fide litigant. It has enjoyed public land and profited from it while refusing to compensate the government fairly.”
The court upheld the government’s valuation of ₹982 crore, completely rejecting the builder’s plea that the value should be reduced to just ₹12.35 crore.
Impact on the Resort:
The court ruling could significantly disrupt the operations of Eagleton, one of the few full-scale golf resorts in India. Industry insiders suggest that if the encroached land is reclaimed, the resort may be forced to downgrade from an 18-hole to a 9-hole course, severely impacting its appeal to professional golfers and events.
Political and Public Pressure Mounts:
The issue has political overtones as well. Eagleton was in the news when Congress MLAs were housed there during a political crisis, even while the resort faced serious land encroachment penalties. Opposition leaders accused the Congress of sheltering lawbreakers, urging the state government to recover the full amount and redirect it toward public welfare schemes such as farmer loan waivers.
Summary of Key Facts
Aspect Details
Land encroached 77 acres and 19 guntas (government land)
Penalty upheld: ₹982 crore
Legal status: High Court dismissed company petition
Years in litigation: 22+ years
Recovered land so far: 28 acres (2014)
Public reaction Strong support for government recovery action
Questions Raised
• Why did the state take over 20 years to act decisively?
• Were political interests shielding the encroachers?
• Will the government now take possession or simply settle for compensation?
The High Court’s decision sends a strong message against illegal land use and the misuse of judicial processes to delay justice. It now falls upon the Karnataka state authorities to either enforce the recovery of land or ensure the ₹982 crore is deposited into public coffers without delay.
As the resort’s future hangs in the balance, the case could become a landmark example of real estate accountability in India.
The Karnataka High Court has upheld a ₹982 crore penalty on Eagleton Golf Resort for encroaching on government land in Bidadi. The resort faces potential disruption as authorities push for land recovery or payment.
