Policy decisions regarding the allocation of public land for essential infrastructure and the functional support of constitutional institutions are not subject to judicial interference unless they are shown to be arbitrary, unlawful, or in blatant violation of constitutional and statutory mandates.

THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLE 226 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA, PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI OR ANY OTHER APPROPRIATE WRIT OR ORDER OR DIRECTION QUASHING THE GOVERNMENT ORDER DATED 08.01.2026 VIDE ANNEXURE-A ISSUED BY THE RESPONDENT NO.2 AND ETC.

THIS PETITION HAVING BEEN HEARD AND RESERVED FOR ORDERS ON 15.04.2026, COMING ON FOR PRONOUNCEMENT THIS DAY, HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE D K SINGH PRONOUNCED THE FOLLOWING:

CAV JUDGMENT

(PER: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE D K SINGH)

I PREFACE:

1. The present writ petition (PIL) has been filed by the Karnataka Veterinary Association and others impugning the Government Order dated 08.01.2026 bearing No.Pa.Sam.Mi 375 Pa.A.Se 2025 directing transfer of 4 acres of land belonging to the respondent No.3-Karnataka Veterinary Animal and Fisheries Science University (KVAFSU) situated at the Veterinary College Campus at Hebbal, Bengaluru, for the purpose of constructing residential quarters for the Hon'ble Judges of this Court and directing transfer of another 3 acres of land for the purpose of constructing a Super-Speciality Hospital for general public. The petitioners have also sought for a mandamus directing the respondents to consider the representations submitted by them requesting withdrawal of the Government Order dated 08.01.2026 approving the allocation of 7 acres of land belonging to the KVAFSU.

II CASE OF THE PETITIONERS:

2. According to the petitioners, the reduction of the lands of the Veterinary College would impair Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes and the introduction of residential and human healthcare facilities would pose bio-security and public health risks. It is stated by the petitioners that the lands of the Veterinary College serve as a lung space for Bengaluru city, the Veterinary College barely fulfils the norms prescribed by the Veterinary Council of India, various research and teaching activities are being undertaken there and the diversion of lands will impair future expansion of the Veterinary College. It is further stated that the Dairy Science College requires lands for facilities such as incubation centre, specialized milk plant, hostels, demonstration plants etc.

3. According to the petitioners, the petitioner No.1-Karnataka Veterinary Association, the petitioner No.2-Bangalore Veterinary College Alumni Association and the Petitioner No.4-Dairy Science College Alumni Association are Societies registered under the provisions of the Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1960 whereas, the petitioner No.3 viz., Senior Veterinarians' Association is an unregistered Society. It is stated that the objectives of the petitioners are to engage in and promote professional knowledge relating to veterinary sciences, animal husbandry and to promote the rights and interests of the veterinarians. It is also stated that that the petitioners have also engaged in various academic and social activities to promote the cause of veterinary sciences and create awareness among the members of the public regarding the same.

4. It is further stated in the writ petition that the respondent No.4-Veterinary College, Bengaluru was established in the year 1958. Initially, it was under the control of the Mysore University. The lands where the Veterinary College campus is situated were donated by the Maharaja of the erstwhile Mysore State for the specific purpose of setting up a Veteri