Karnataka HC declines Anjuman-i-Islam’s plea, allows Ganesh Utsav at Hubballi's Idgah Maidan

Hubballi: The Dharwad bench of the Karnataka High Court has dismissed a plea by Anjuman-i-Islam challenging the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation's (HDMC) decision to permit Hindu groups to organize Ganesh Utsav at the historic Idgah Maidan in Hubballi.

The HDMC had granted approval to Hindu organizations to hold Ganesh Utsav celebrations for a period of three days at the Idgah Maidan, similar to last year's permission. This decision was ratified by the Corporation's general body meeting with a majority vote. However, the resolution was met with resistance from the Muslim body, leading to legal proceedings.

The Hubballi-Dharwad police department has significantly enhanced security measures, mobilizing approximately 1,500 police personnel from other districts, along with 15 Karnataka State Reserve Police and 10 Rapid Action Force teams to oversee the Ganesh Utsav festivities.

This decision by the Karnataka High Court comes after a ruling in August last year when it allowed a Hindu organization to erect a Ganesha idol at the Idgah ground. The court concluded that there was no title dispute over the Idgah Maidan in Hubballi, distinguishing it from the Idgah Maidan in Bengaluru.

Furthermore, the Dharwad bench asserted that the Idgah Maidan in Hubballi belonged to the HDMC, and the land had been leased to the Anjuman-i-Islam for 999 years. Nevertheless, the HDMC retained rights over the land's usage.

Last year marked a significant milestone as the Rani Chennamma Maidana Gajanana Utsav Mahamandali and other Hindu organizations celebrated Ganesha Utsav at the Idgah Maidan, with devotees participating peacefully in the historic event.

As the countdown to Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations begins, Hindu activists have approached the local civic body and district administration for permission to install a Ganesh idol at the controversial Idgah Maidan in Hubballi.