Telangana HC gives conditional nod to Bathukamma festivities at Charminar

The Telangana High Court has permitted Bathukamma celebrations at the Bhagyalakshmi temple in Charminar on September 23, subject to strict conditions. The event is restricted to women devotees, excludes VIPs, and prohibits political or inflammatory content.

By Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar of the Telangana High Court on Friday permitted Bathukamma celebrations at the Bhagyalakshmi temple in Charminar on September 23, while imposing strict conditions to ensure law and order.

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The Judge directed that the celebrations be restricted to women devotees only, last for an hour and a half between 4 p.m. and 5.30 p.m., and be conducted without VIP participation. Persons with criminal backgrounds were barred from attending. The organisers were also cautioned against making political speeches, singing songs derogatory towards other religions, or indulging in any act that may disturb public order.

The court made it clear that police may take legal action if any of these conditions are violated. The order came on a writ petition filed by the BJP, challenging the police decision to refuse permission for the programme at the temple premises.

Arguing for the petitioner, counsel pointed out that similar celebrations were conducted at the same venue in October 2024 under court-imposed conditions and no untoward incident had taken place.

Additional Public Prosecutor (APP), opposing the plea, argued that allowing Bathukamma celebrations at the temple could pose law and order challenges and inconvenience tourists in the Charminar area.

However, when questioned by the bench whether any incidents were reported during last year’s celebrations, the APP admitted that none had occurred.

In light of the submissions, Justice Shravan allowed the celebrations under conditions identical to last year, placing the responsibility on the organisers and the police to maintain law and order.