Daijiworld Media Network – Chikmagalur (SP)

Chikmagalur, Dec 7: In a memorandum, Karnataka Komu Sauharda Vedike has urged the deputy commissioner of the district to strictly abide by the Supreme Court (SC) directives on maintenance of status quo during Datta Mala Abhiyan being held from December 8 to 10 at Baba Budangiri hills near here. 

“The SC has ordered for maintenance of status quo at Datta Peetha as prevailing in 1975, and also to stick by the directions contained in an order passed by the commissioner for religious endowments in 1989. The district administration therefore, is barred for permitting any new observations or rituals at the disputed site. If it violates the orders, it will be alone responsible for these actions,” it       has warned.

The memorandum points out that as per the said order, no priest other than the Muzavar appointed by the Shah Khadri has the right to enter the sanctum sanctorum of Datta Peeta.   Only the Muavar has the right to offer flowers to the Paduke, light the lamp, and offer Tabaruq to the devotees. Installation of Datta idol, conducting of oblations or other procedures or performance of pujas as per Agama practices are forbidden. This will be clear violation of SC order, it claimed.

State secretary of the Vedike, Ghouse Mohiuddin, district president, Vittal Hegde, and Popular Front of India president, Fairoz, were present in the delegation which submitted the memorandum.