The Karnataka High Court allowed the traditional Sri Veeramarannaswamy Devara Kallu Hunime Jathre Fair to proceed between January 28 and February 3, 2026, directing the petitioners to assist the administration in ensuring safety and law and order during the event. The order clarifies that administrative reluctance cannot be dictated by the actions of a few disruptive individuals.
Petitioners had approached the High Court seeking directions for the Tahsildar and local police to grant permission for the annual fair, citing insufficient support from authorities. The administration, however, had raised concerns over potential clashes between rival groups, past attempts of violence, and risks to public property and devotees. The Court reviewed reports highlighting disputes over ritual control, previous security lapses despite bonds under Section 107 CrPC, and potential threats including rumors of poisoning.
Noting that no substantive evidence showed the fair itself was inherently unsafe, the Court emphasized that the reluctance stemmed from a few individuals trying to circumvent the law rather than genuine security concerns.
Justice observed that the authorities must not yield to disruptive factions and that the petitioners should modify certain traditional practices to reduce risks. The Bench stated that the Tahsildar and Police Inspector “must convene a meeting with the petitioners and advise them on those measures that would be better avoided to help the administration in ensuring that there is no damage to the property or life and the Fair is conducted in a peaceful manner.”
The Court instructed authorities to take all preventive measures, including additional deployment and arrests where legally permissible, to ensure smooth conduct of the fair.
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