WP/30260/2026 of SRI KANNADA YUVAKA SANGHA TRUST (R) Vs THE STATE OF KARNATAKA on 28 September 2026

ORAL ORDER

The present writ petition is filed seeking for the following reliefs: "a) Issue a writ of certiorari or other appropriate writ, order or direction quashing the endorsement dated 09.09.2026 issued by respondent No.4 and produced as Annexure-L, insofar as it refuses permission for the petitioners celebration at municipal old property No. 1349/1327/1349 (new No.1779595230), Halepete Narasimharajapura;

b) Issue a writ of mandamus directing respondent Nos.2 to 7 to coordinate and forthwith grant the permissions and no objection certificates required for the petitioner to install and worship an eco-friendly Ganesha idol and conduct the annual Ganesha festival for the period starting from 22.09.2026 to 29.09.2026 at the aforesaid premises subject to lawful conditions;

c) In the alternative direct respondent Nos.2 to 7 to reconsider the petitioners applications dated 21.08.2026 and supplementary representation dated 08.09.2026 submitted before the respondent Nos.4 to 7 and issue a coordinated reasoned decision within six hours of receipt of this Hon'ble Courts order without treating the other Sanghats separate venue or any unverified rival claim over the petitioners premises as conclusive against the petitioner (Annexure-E, F, G, H and J);

d) Grant such other order or relief, including costs as this Hon'ble Court deem fit in the interests of justice and equity. "

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2. The petitioner is stated to have made an application / representation to the Police Authorities for the purpose of organising annual Ganesha Festival. The representation was initially made for conducting the function between 14.09.2026 to 22.09.2026.

3. It is the case of the petitioner that it was earlier a Sangha and the petitioner which is a Trust is continuing the activities of the Sangha. The Sangha having conducted the annual religious festival at its premises, has again proposed to conduct the same for the current year, which was rejected by the concerned authorities.

4. Learned AGA referring to the impugned endorsement dated 09.09.2026 (Annexure-L to the writ petition) submits that there are two factions in the Sangha and applications made by both the factions have been rejected by the concerned authority, in view of the apprehension that awarding of permission of one of the factions would cause law and order problems.

5. Although, it is the vehement contention of the learned counsel for the petitioner that the petitioner sought to

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conduct the annual religious activity in its own premises, it is clear from the material on record that the premises in question were purchased the name of the Sangha. There being two factions in the Sangha and one faction having registered the petitioner - Trust, it is the Trust which has made the present application in question for conducting of the annual religious function.

6. Having regard to the factual matrix as noticed above, the respondents - authorities were justified in refusing permission to both the factions of the Sangha, since, it was apprehended that granting permission to one of the factions would result in a law and order situation.

7. It is the vehement contention of the learned counsel for the petitioner that consequent to the rejection made to the other faction of the Sangha, the other faction has conducted the annual religious activity at another premises and the same has also been completed and hence there is no impediment to grant the permission in question in favour of the petitioner. The said submission is also unmerited.

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8. Having regard to the fact that, the concerned authorities having rejected the request made by both the factions and one faction having respected the said decision and having carried out the annual religious activities in another place, the question of this Court in exercise of its extraordinary discretionary jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution of India interfering with the action of the concerned authorities for the purpose of granting permission to the other faction of the Sangha, more particularly having regard to the apprehension of the concerned authorities regarding maintaining the law and order situation, does not arise.

9. Accordingly, the preset petition is dismissed as devoid of merit.

10. Pending IAs., if any, stand disposed of.

(C.M. POONACHA) JUDGE

PNV List No.: 1 Sl No.: 27