No Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations are to be held at Bengaluru's Idgah Maidan as Supreme Court said that the status quo should be maintained by both parties for Tuesday. A three-judge bench of the apex court passed the order on a petition filed by Karnataka Wakf Board and Central Muslim Association of Karnataka challenging a Karnataka HC order allowing the Karnataka government to organise Ganesh Chaturthi.
The apex court ordered to maintain the status quo after saying that for 200 years there was no such function organised and the land in question was stated to belong to the Wakf Board. The court further directed that other questions raised to be decided by the Karnataka High Court and disposed the appeal.
"I welcome this, unnecessarily some people who do not want a cordial environment in the city had gone to Court. Corporation is the absolute owner of the land and some people just want to create hurdles. I am very happy with the decision of the High Court," Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said as quoted by news agency ANI.
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Three judge bench began hearing plea against the Karnataka High Court order allowing Ganesh Chaturthi at Idgah maidan in Bengaluru's Chamarajpet. Earlier, Supreme Court said the matter will be placed before the Chief Justice of India as there is no consensus between the two judges hearing the matter. Advocates mention the matter before the bench headed by Chief Justice of India UU Lalit.
Meanwhile, heavy police security has been deployed at Idgah maidan. Flag march is being conducted by security personnel at the maidan in Chamarajpet in Bengaluru.
Earlier on Tuesday, Karnataka High Court dismissed the plea of a Muslim body allowing Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at Idgah maidan. The municipal corporation of Hubballi-Dharwad had earlier allowed the installation of the Ganesha idol for three days at the site.