Madras High Court grants nod to Ganesh idol installation in area surrounded by Muslim communities after obtaining local jamath's consent

The Madras High Court recently directed the Coimbatore police to grant permission to install Ganesha’s idol at a housing board colony, where many Muslims reside, after obtaining permission from the local Jamath, reports the Indian Express.

Justice N Sathish Kumar issued directions while hearing a criminal original petition filed by one Mahalakshmi who sought permission to install a Ganesha Idol at Pullakadu Housing Unit in Ukkadam South and celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi on August 31.

Mahalakshmi stated that the residents of the housing colony want to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in their area, and other members of the community are also eager to take part in the festivities.

She further stated that all the members have also agreed to provide annadhanam (food distribution) to the devotees.

The Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) for the Police contended that as the area in which Mahalakshmi wants to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi is predominantly surrounded by Muslim communities, therefore, there can be a law and order problem.

However, the counsel for Mahalakshmi argued that the local jamath people are also eager to take part in the celebration and have no objections.

Accordingly, Court directed Mahalakshmi and the Jamath Committee together to file an affidavit/undertaking before the concerned police station, to install Ganesha Idol and celebrate the Ganesh Chaturthi festival on August 31, 2022, at their housing unit by strictly adhering to the guidelines prescribed under the government order (GO) dated August 9, 2018, of the Public (Law & Order) department.

After obtaining the said undertaking, the Court further directed that the police shall ensure proper protection.

Furthermore, Court directed Mahalakshmi to only install the Ganesha Idol and celebrate the function inside the housing unit and also stated that no procession shall be taken out along with the Idol.