Ganesh Idol Installed at Hubballi's Idgah Maidan After Karnataka HC's Order

The court upheld the government order permitting the installation of a Ganesh idol on the Idgah Maidan.

Police personnel inspecting the Idgah Maidan in Hubballi on Monday, 29 August.

(Photo: PTI)

A Ganesh idol was installed at the Huballi-Dharwad Idgah Maidan on Wednesday, 31 August, after the Karnataka High Court in a late night order refused to interfere in the state government's decision to allow Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at the premises.

The court rejected the plea filed by the Anjuman-e-Islam trust challenging the government's decision.

Meanwhile, the police said that they have made elaborate security arrangements for the peaceful conduct of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at the grounds.

"The Situation in Dharwad is totally peaceful, with elaborate arrangements made regarding the Ganesh festival. We have deployed one RAF (Rapid Action Force) company along with other security personnel, Commissioner of Police Labhu Ram was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Authorities had earlier allowed the installation of a Ganesh idol at the disputed Idgah Maidan for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

The high court, while stating that the land belonged to the municipal corporation, said that the trust that had filed the petition was not the owner but the licensee, and was allowed to use the ground only on two occasions, namely Ramzan and Eid al-Adha (Bakrid).

Meanwhile, in a separate hearing on Tuesday, the Supreme Court barred Ganesh Chaturthi festivities at the Bengaluru Idgah Maidan and ordered status quo for the next two days.

The court, while hearing a Waqf Board order challenging a Karnataka High Court order permitting Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in the Bengaluru ground, said, "Interim status quo for two days. You have the pooja somewhere else. And go back to the high court."

Why Had Govt Authorities Allowed Festivities in Hubballi?

Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation Mayor Iresh Anchatageri said that out of 39 representations received by a house panel that was set up to decide on the matter, 28 were in favour of permitting a Ganesh pandal on the maidan, while 11 were against it.

The personnel of the Rapid Action Force were briefed by senior police officials on the matter and stationed to ensure peace and harmony ahead of the celebrations.