Daijiworld Media Network – Moodbidri (SP)

Moodbidri, Dec 18: Karnataka High Court has issued a temporary stay order against the demolition of Jagadguru Ayya Nagalingaswamy Mutt in Alangar here. This order has restrained both Karnataka government and Dakshina Kannada district administration from executing its plan to demolish the structure in tune with the Supreme Court order.

The Mutt stands on Moodbidri-Karkala highway, and the chief officer of the local municipality, taluk tahsildar, and the revenue officials had served notice of eviction against the Mutt, alleging that it has encroached upon the highway land. They had claimed that they are empowered to demolish the structure, if the concerned do not vacate it on its own within a week, as per the Supreme Court verdict.

The Mutt, which houses the tomb of Sri Ayya Jagadguru, has a history of over four centuries. It is held in high reverence by the people belonging to Vishwakarma community. The Mutt was renovated four decades ago. The devotees had placed these facts before the deputy commissioner, but to no avail.

Taking a cue from the fact that several religious structures in and around the town had been demolished recently by revenue officials without further notice, managing trustee of the Mutt, Dhananjay Palke, had filed a writ petition in the state High Court, arguing that the impugned order of the  Supreme Court applies to only the recent buildings and not ancient ones. Lawyer, P P Hegde, represented the Mutt management at the High Court.

After hearing arguments placed before it, the High Court issued a stay order against the demolition or eviction of any part of the structure till further orders.