Court order on Mysuru Palace handover not followed: Pramoda Devi

Addressing a press conference in Mysuru, she said the royal family's private properties were not covered under the palace acquisition legislation. The list of such assets was submitted to the Union government in 1947 and approved by V P Menon in 1951, she said.

Mysuru: Pramoda Devi Wadiyar has accused the Karnataka government of failing to implement a court order directing it to return Mysuru Palace to the royal family within 30 days. She also clarified that the Ambari and royal throne are private properties of the Wadiyar family.

Addressing a press conference in Mysuru, she said the royal family’s private properties were not covered under the palace acquisition legislation. The list of such assets was submitted to the Union government in 1947 and approved by V P Menon in 1951, she said.

Explaining the background of the palace dispute, Pramoda Devi said the government had agreed to maintain the palace after the death of Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, when the family faced tax liabilities of over Rs 8 crore.

However, the government allegedly failed to honour the agreement, following which the family approached the judiciary. Though the court ordered the palace to be returned within 30 days, the government had not complied with the direction, she alleged.

She also questioned the understanding of government officials regarding the royal family’s private assets and historical ownership documents.

‘Police restrictions affected ceremonies, royal customs’

On the Dasara controversy, Pramoda Devi said excessive police restrictions had affected traditional religious ceremonies and royal customs. She demanded action against ACP Chandrashekar over alleged lapses in duty near the Brahmapuri Gate.

Defending traditional rituals, she said Jatti Kalaga and cutting a pumpkin with the Pattada Katti were part of the royal family’s religious heritage. Such practices should not be obstructed in the name of security arrangements, she maintained.

She also rejected suggestions that the government paid rent for the Ambari procession, clarifying that the payment was in the form of royalty.

Pramoda Devi said she was willing to discuss all outstanding issues with the government and would meet the Chief Minister and ministers if they came forward for talks.