Bengaluru: The operation of a bar and restaurant within the premises of the historic Trinity Church has triggered strong resentment among Christian devotees, who allege that it has compromised the sanctity of the place of worship and disrupted prayer services.
The controversy revolves around ‘Lumara Bar and Kitchen’, which is accused of operating a liquor outlet and dance bar within the church complex. Devotees claim that the sale of alcohol and loud music has adversely affected religious activities.
In this connection, senior advocate Shaji T. Varghese on Thursday issued a legal notice to the Additional Chief Secretary of the State Excise Department, the Excise Commissioner, the Director General of Police, the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner. The notice states that granting a liquor licence within the premises of a religious and charitable institution amounts to a serious administrative lapse.
Trinity Church functions under the Karnataka Central Diocese (KCD) of the Church of South India (CSI), while the Church of South India Trust Association (CSITA) is responsible for safeguarding the assets of the non-profit religious institution. However, the notice alleges that the leasing of a building on the church premises to Potraj Infrastructure and Investments has resulted in the premises being converted into a pub and dance bar, thereby violating its religious sanctity.
According to the notice, the lease agreement was entered into in good faith by the then CSI General Secretary Rev. Vincent Vinod Kumar and the then Bishop P.K. Samuel. The premises, located at No. 154, fourth floor, Trinity Church Complex, Trinity Circle, Halasuru, were subsequently converted into a bar operating under the name ‘Lumara Bar’.
The notice further states that the bar-restaurant is being run by House of Culinary Art Hospitality LLP, which obtained a liquor licence on July 18, 2024, and that alcohol consumption and dance activities are allegedly taking place on the fourth floor of the church complex.
Reference is also made to a temporary restraining order issued by a Bengaluru court on January 27, 2025, prohibiting liquor business on the premises of the chapel. Church members have alleged that despite the court order, the bar continues to function and that authorities have failed to act on repeated complaints.
Citing Section 29 of the Karnataka Excise Act, which empowers authorities to suspend or cancel liquor licences, the notice alleges negligence on the part of the Excise Department and raises questions over the role of the police.
The notice further alleges that loud music and the sale of liquor within the church premises are disturbing public peace and promoting immorality. It also claims that individuals questioning the operation of the establishment are being intimidated.
Advocate Varghese has demanded the immediate closure of Lumara Bar and Restaurant and called for a thorough investigation, stating that the continued operation of the establishment violates the sanctity of a religious place.
