Karnataka HC reinstates pre-Covid timings for Yakshagana performances

Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court allowed the Yakshagana performances by the Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple troupes (Mela) in Dakshina Kannada, to resume from dusk till dawn, aligning with traditional timings existed during pre-Covid.

A single judge bench of Justice M Nagaprasanna granted this after addressing a plea from Krishna Kumar, a devoted temple follower.

Krishna Kumar contested the deputy commissioner’s November 15, 2022, directive, limiting Yakshagana performances from 5 pm to 12.30 am. The restriction was grounded in the noise level generated during these performances, which purportedly exceeded permissible decibels.

During the hearing, it was emphasized that Yakshagana traditionally unfolds from evening till early morning, commencing at 9 pm following the holding of rituals such as the Chowki Pooja, prayers, and deity Arathi. The imposed curbs curtailed these established traditions, the petitioner’s counsel argued.

Conversely, the Additional Advocate General voiced no opposition to Yakshagana exhibitions but underscored the necessity to adhere strictly to the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. The petitioner’s representative assured compliance with these regulations.

The court noted, “The undertaking provided by the petitioner stands recorded. Hence, the Deputy Commissioner or the competent authority is directed to allow Yakshagana as it was conducted pre-Covid. Any breach of this undertaking empowers the Deputy Commissioner to take lawful action.”

Holding Yakshagana performances to their traditional schedule will be contingent upon upholding noise pollution regulations, the court said.