The Chamarajpet playground, embroiled in multiple controversies over its use, is again at the centre of public attention. The Chamarajpet Citizens’ Union has announced its intention to file a petition in the Karnataka High Court, seeking permission to install a Ganesh murti on the playground for the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
Ramegowda, President of the Chamarajpet Citizens’ Union, addressed the media on September 8, sharing the details of the legal step. “We have been fighting for the rightful use of the Chamarajpet playground, a government-owned property that falls under the jurisdiction of the Revenue Department. After years of struggle, we succeeded in having the Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations on this ground. Now, we are moving to the High Court to secure permission to install the Ganesh murti during the Ganesh festival,” Ramegowda said.
The playground controversy stems from debates over its use for religious and public events. The citizens’ union has long argued for the space to be used for community celebrations. In contrast, some community sections have opposed such uses, citing various reasons, including the playground’s designation as a civic utility.
“We have already appealed to the deputy commissioner to allow installation of Ganesha murti at least this year he said the case is pending in court. However, we are optimistic given the precedent set at the Hubballi Eidgah Maidan, where permission was granted for Ganeshotsava. We expect a similar ruling for the Chamarajpet ground,” Ramegowda stated, referencing the High Court’s approval for Ganesh festivities at another contentious site, the Hubballi Eidgah Maidan, earlier this year.
The citizens’ union also pointed out that the Muslim community in Chamarajpet holds collective celebrations at the playground. “We have always cooperated with them during their festivals. We are asking for the same opportunity to install the Ganesha murti for our festival. In the past, we have been forced to conduct our Ganeshotsava on the road due to the lack of access to the ground. This year, we want to ensure that the celebration takes place on the playground itself,” Ramegowda emphasised.
The decision to take legal action reflects the growing determination of the citizens’ union to assert their rights to use the public space for religious celebrations. “We believe the court will understand the importance of this issue. If we receive the necessary permissions this week, we will be fully prepared to organise Ganeshotsav on the Chamarajpet grounds,” Ramegowda said, hoping for a favourable ruling.
The controversy over the playground has drawn significant attention over the years, with community members divided over its use for public and religious events. The Chamarajpet Citizens’ Union remains confident that the court will allow the Ganesh festivities, setting a new precedent for religious celebrations in the area. As the High Court prepares to hear the petition, all eyes are now on the upcoming legal proceedings, which could potentially shape the future of community events in Chamarajpet.
The Hubballi Idgah maidan row has a history of decades, and it was solved by allowing Ganesh murtis to be installed. In a resolution passed during the Hubballi Dharwad Municipal Corporation’s (HDMC) monthly council meeting, permission was granted for a three-day public celebration of the Ganesh festival at the Idgah Maidan, located next to Kittur Chennamma Circle in Hubballi.
On September 3, Municipal Commissioner Ishwar Ullagaddi provided an official permission letter to the ‘Rani Chennamma Maidan Gajanan Utsava Mahamandali,’ authorising the Ganesh festival celebrations from September 7 to 9. The decision was based on a resolution (No. 331) passed during the council’s meeting on August 31, allowing the festivities at the Idgah Maidan, as had been the case the previous year.
While handing over the permission, the Commissioner instructed the organisers to follow 19 specific conditions set by the corporation, covering both the installation of the Ganesh murti and the public celebration at the Maidan.
Sanjiv Badaskar, president of the Mahamandali, stated in a press briefing that, similar to last year, the organisation had submitted a request for permission, which the municipal corporation approved. Preparations for the festival would proceed accordingly, ensuring a meaningful celebration.
Among the stipulations set by the municipal corporation, the organisers must secure additional permission from the police commissioner’s office before installing the Ganesh murti. The festival can occur from 6 a.m. on September 7 until noon on September 9.
Other important conditions include: The Ganesh pandal must be erected in a designated area specified by corporation officials, No display of flags, aside from approved ones, The use of controversial or provocative banners and posters at the Idgah Maidan is strictly prohibited, Loud music is not allowed, No additional cultural programs should be organised at the venue.
The public celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi at the Idgah Maidan in Hubballi first took place during the previous BJP administration, following a ruling by the Karnataka High Court in August 2022, which declined to prevent the HDMC from allowing the event.
In 2023, under the current administration, the municipal corporation once again granted permission after a legal attempt by Anjuman E Islam to block the festival in court failed.
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