Authority: High Court of Karnataka at Bengaluru
Order Date: 9 October 2026
Case Overview
- Petition No. 31477 of 2026 filed under Articles 226 & 227 of the Constitution by Dasara Dashamantapa Samithi Sri Karavale Bhagavathi Mahisha Mardini Temple, K. Badaga, Madikeri (represented by its President Sri Pandira T Poonacha, aged about 41, and Advocate Sri. Srinivas V.).
- The petition seeks a writ of mandamus directing the respondents to consider Annexures A to A12 and grant permission to use DJ sound modulators (loudspeakers, public‑address systems, and sound‑producing instruments) for the Dasara Festival scheduled from 21 Oct 2026 5 PM to 22 Oct 2026 4 PM.
- Respondents: 1) State of Karnataka (Chief Secretary Vidhana Souda), 2) Deputy Commissioner, Kodagu District, Madikeri, 3) Superintendant of Police, Kodagu District, Madikeri, 4) Karnataka State Pollution Board. Represented by Advocate Sri. Rahul Cariappa (for R1‑R3) and Sri. Mahesh Chowdary (for R4).
- The petitioner filed an application on 22 Sep 2026 to the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, and other authorities seeking the above permission.
- The Advocate General for the State submitted that the applications would be considered in accordance with law.
- Several impleading applicants/interveners raised objections, arguing that granting the request would cause noise pollution and cited various judgments.
Final Outcome
1. The Court notes that the concerned authorities have not yet considered the petitioner's representations and therefore permits interveners to file their objections on or before the close of working hours on 12 Oct 2026.
2. The authorities must consider the petition together with any objections and render a decision on or before 15 Oct 2026.
3. The result of the consideration shall be communicated to both the petitioners and the interveners.
4. The order is to be digitally signed by Cheppudira Monnappa Poonacha and communicated to the concerned authorities by the learned AGA.
5. The order shall be uploaded online; authorities shall act upon it upon production of a copy verified via the forthcoming QR code.
6. The writ petition is disposed of, and any pending Interveners’ Applications (IAs) stand disposed of.
Topics: Noise Pollution, Religious Festival Regulation