Get nod of local Jamath before permitting installation of Ganesh idol, says Madras HC to Coimbatore Police

Chennai: The Madras High Court has directed the Coimbatore Police to seek consent of local Jamath, where Muslims live in large numbers, before granting permission to install Ganesh idol during Ganesh Chaturthi.

Justice N Sathish Kumar gave a direction to this effect on 26 August while disposing of a criminal original petition from Mahalakshmi, who prayed for a direction to grant permission to install Ganesh Idol at Pullakadu Housing Unit in Ukkadam South and celebrate Vinayaka Chaturthi festival falling on 31 August.

According to the petitioner, the residents in the housing colony want to celebrate Vinayaka Chaturthi in their area and that other community people are also willing to participate in the said celebrations and they have also agreed to even offer annadhanam (food distribution) to the devotees. She sought local police permission.

The Additional Public Prosecutor, appearing for the police, submitted that the area is predominantly surrounded by Muslim community and therefore there will be a law and order problem.

However, petitioner’s counsel submitted that even the local Jamath people are willing to participate in the celebrations and they had no objections.

“Such view of the matter, the petitioner is permitted to file an affidavit/undertaking before the police station concerned along with the affidavit of Jamath Committee to install Vinayakar idol and conduct the Chaturthi festival on 31 August at their housing unit by strictly following the guidelines prescribed under the GO dated 9 August, 2018 of the Public (Law & Order) department,” the court said.

“On such undertaking being given by the petitioner, the police shall ensure proper protection,” the judge said and made it clear that the petitioner shall install Vinayaka idol inside their housing unit only and celebrate the function.

No procession shall be taken out along with the idol, the judge added.

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