The Karnataka government faces scrutiny over a 2017 order to lease 78 acres of forest land in West Bengaluru to caste-associated organizations and government utilities. The High Court questioned the government's inaction regarding this controversial decision, which was challenged in 2018. Petitioners argue the land, declared a reserved forest in 1896, was allocated despite efforts to preserve it. The lease terms involve a 30-year period at Rs 1 lakh per acre annually.