Karnataka HC Allows Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations At Idgah Maidan In Hubballi

Karnataka Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations: Earlier today, the Supreme Court had ordered to maintain status quo at the Idgah ground in Bangalore.

Women wearing Hijab walk in front of the Karnataka High Court in Bangalore (Source: File photo/AFP)

New Delhi: The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday dismissed the plea to stay Ganesh festival celebrations at Idgah ground at Hubbali-Dharwad, as reported by The Live Law. The High Court on Wednesday heard a petition challenging an order allowing Ganesh Chaturthi rituals at an Idgah ground in Karnataka's Hubbali. The hearing was held in the chamber of Justice Ashok S Kinagi. Earlier today, the Supreme Court had ordered to maintain the status quo at the Idgah ground in Bangalore. 

"It is not in dispute that property belongs to the respondent. Petitioner has admitted the title of the respondent. From the perusal of the judgment (in a title suit), it is clear that the respondent is the owner of the property. The petitioner is the licensee and permitted to use (the land) only on two occasions," the Court said in its order passed at 11.30 pm, as quoted by Bar and Bench.

Earlier, on Tuesday, a three-judge SC Bench of Justices Indira Banerjee, AS Oka and MM Sundresh heard the Karnataka Waqf Board's plea challenging the permission of the Karnataka High Court. It asked both parties to approach the Karnataka High Court for the resolution of the dispute. During the hearing against the High Court order in the matter, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court that the Karnataka government had allowed the use of the grounds for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations for 2 days, 31 August and 1 September. 

In a special hearing held at 4:45 pm, a three-judge bench headed by Justice Indira Banerjee observed that the pooja be held somewhere else.

"The writ petition is pending before the Single Bench of the High Court and has been fixed for hearing on September 23, 2022. All questions/issues may be agitated in the High Court.

"In the meanwhile, status quo, as of date, with regard to the land in question shall be maintained by both the parties. The special leave petitions are, accordingly, disposed of," the bench also comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and M M Sundresh said.

The court, in its order, said that the Ganesh Chaturthi festival cannot be organized on Wednesday and Thursday at Idgah ground. The court has further asked the parties to approach the Karnataka High Court for a decision on the issue.