The Karnataka High Court has directed State authorities to carefully assess and decide on the conduct of Muharram festivities in Tumkur village, Yadgiri district, in light of recent communal tensions between upper-caste Hindus and the Madiga community.
The writ petition was filed challenging the enforcement of traditional roles during the festivities particularly the beating of the halige (percussion instrument) by Madiga members, which the community opposed as caste-discriminatory. The petitioner sought a ban on specific public rituals, including the folk dance ‘Alai Bhosai Kunitha’, during the Muharram celebrations.
Justice M.I. Arun observed that while the region has a long-standing tradition of interfaith celebrations, harmony cannot be sustained by forcing participation in roles that a community rejects. The Court emphasized that no one can compel a community to perform acts they despise, even if they are customary.
Disposing of the petition, the Court directed district authorities to hear all stakeholders and take a lawful, peace-keeping decision. If festivities proceed, the State must ensure no coercion and adequate protection to all participants.
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