Daijiworld Media Network-New Delhi (RJP)

New Delhi, Dec 12: The Supreme Court has refused to entertain a plea for early hearing of the Karnataka government’s petition against ‘Made Snana’ ritual on Friday, December 11.

'Made Snana' is performed by people from the Malekudiya community of Dakshina Kannada district.

A three-judge bench presided over by Chief Justice T S Thakur told advocate Bharathi representing the Adivasi Budakattu Hitrarakshana Vedike, who sought the early hearing by next week, that the plea will be heard after winter vacations. Adivasi Budakattu Hitrarakshana Vedike is seeking lifting of the stay on the ritual.

Advocate Joseph Aristotle, who representing the Karnataka government, opposed the plea saying there was no urgency in hearing the case.

Acting on a petition filed by the Vedike, the Karnataka High Court had ordered on November 19, 2014 that 'Made Snana' would continue to be performed by the devotees during ‘Shashti’. The court did not allow any modification in the practice citing sentiments of the people involved in rituals. Later on December 12 in 2014, the Supreme Court had stayed the order of the Karnataka High Court.

The Karnataka government in its petition sought a ban on the custom in its original form saying the right to practise one’s religion was subject to certain conditions claiming the practice was against public order, morality and health. The government also said that allowing the community to perform 'Made Snana' could also lead to untoward incidents including law and order problem.