The Karnataka High Court has directed the Kodagu deputy commissioner to decide by October 15 whether DJ loudspeakers can be used during the Madikeri Dasara tableau procession, after directing objectors to submit their representations by October 12.
The direction was issued while disposing of a writ petition filed by Pandira T. Poonacha, president of the Dasara Dashamantapa Committee. A single-judge bench headed by Justice C.M. Poonacha directed the deputy commissioner to consider the committee’s request and take a decision in accordance with the law.
The court also recorded that some people had approached it seeking that the committee’s request not be considered. It directed those opposing the use of DJ loudspeakers to submit their objections to the deputy commissioner by October 12. The authority must consider those objections along with the committee’s application before deciding the matter by October 15.
The committee had sought permission to use DJ sound amplification equipment during the procession of tableaux at the Madikeri Dasara celebrations. According to the petition, the festival has been organised in Madikeri for the past 40 years, with a procession of tableaux forming a central part of the celebrations.
The petition stated that this year’s Dasara festivities are scheduled for October 21 and 22. It said committees from 10 local temples, including the Karavale Bhagavathi Mahishamardini and Kunduru Motte Chowti Mariamma temples, had been brought together under the Dasara Dashamantapa Committee. Each temple committee is expected to present a tableau based on its concept during the procession.
The committee said it had submitted its request for permission to use DJ sound equipment in connection with the festival but had not received approval even after 15 days. The court’s order does not grant permission for the equipment to be used. Instead, it establishes a time-bound process for the district administration to consider the request, objections and applicable legal requirements.
The decision places the immediate responsibility on the Kodagu district administration, which must assess the application and objections before the October 15 deadline. The order leaves the final decision on the use of DJ loudspeakers during the October 21 and 22 processions with the deputy commissioner.
