The Karnataka High Court refused to stay Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at Idgah grounds in Hubli-Dharwad. Dharwad Municipal Commissioner had given permission to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at Idgah grounds on the demand of some Hindu organizations.

To this, Muslim body Anjuman-e-Islam had filed a petition in the court demanding a ban.

The Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation's proposal allows installation of the Ganesh idol in the grounds. However, the Municipal Commissioner who recently took charge has not given this permission.

Last year, the Karnataka High Court had given permission to organize Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at Idgah grounds in Hubli.

Rejecting Anjuman-e-Islam's petition, the High Court said in its order, "The land is the property of Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation and they can allot the land to whoever they want." Let us tell you that Idgah ground in Hubli was embroiled in a decades-old dispute till 2010. However, later the Supreme Court held that this ground is the property of Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation.

The land of Idgah was given on lease for 999 years to Anjuman-e-Islam for offering prayers in the year 1921. In the 70s, Anjuman e Islam started building a commercial complex around this ground located in the middle of the city.

Later, this work of Anjuman-e-Islam was challenged in the court and after a long battle, the Supreme Court decision in 2010 banned the construction. But, the apex court has given permission to offer Namaz twice a year and not to build any permanent structure on the land.

Meanwhile, the BJP continued its protest outside the HDMC Commissioner's office for the second day on Friday, demanding permission to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi at the Idgah grounds. The protest is being led by Arvind Bellad, the sitting BJP MLA from Hubli-Dharwad West.

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