Hassan Deputy Commissioner issues notice to SP for breaking idol immersion ban

Hassan Deputy Commissioner K.S. Lathakumari has issued a show-cause notice to Superintendent of Police Shubhanvita for allowing the immersion of Ganesha and Gowri idols at Devigere Tank in the town despite prohibitory orders.

The Order and Violation

On Saturday, the Deputy Commissioner banned idol immersion in the tank under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and Section 24 of the Water Act. The order aimed to protect water quality, public health, and aquatic life from pollution caused by chemical paints, flowers, and puja materials, following requests from the municipal corporation commissioner and the tahsildar. Despite this ban in the Muzrai Department area, the idols were immersed anyway.

Notice and Repercussions

The notice issued on Sunday asks why the matter should not go to the competent authority for disciplinary action against the Superintendent of Police for dereliction of duty and arrogance unbecoming of a government servant. The notice states that police were authorized to book violators but failed to do so, and demands a written reply immediately.

Political Reaction

Hassan MLA H.P. Swaroop Prakash defended the Superintendent of Police, stating that the pandal committee has used Devigere Tank for idol immersion for six to seven decades. He argued that the Deputy Commissioner should have banned all idols equally and consulted elected representatives instead of issuing orders just hours before the procession. He also expressed worry about coordination issues ahead of the upcoming Hasanamba festival.

Context

Local administrative tensions between civil and police officials often arise during large religious festivals and public events over issues like crowd management and environmental rules. The Muzrai Department manages various religious institutions and temples across the state under government oversight.