SC asks Karnataka to take decision on Bababudanswamy Dargah

The Supreme Court today asked the Karnataka government to take a decision on issues relating to the communally-sensitive Karnataka shrine, Guru Dattatreya Bababudanswamy Dargah, revered by both Muslims and Hindus.

A bench of Justices Ranjan Gogoi and N V Ramana accepted the submission of the state government that it was a "very sensitive" matter and the cabinet will take a decision by considering the 2010 report of the Commissioner for Religious and Charitable Endowments on Chikmagalur-based Sufi shrine.

"We are of the view that at this stage, the state government be left alone to take a decision. The state government may consider all objections against the report. Thereafter, state government will decide the matter," it said.

The bench then said it will be open to either parties to seek redressal if they are aggrieved by the decision of the government.

It then disposed of the two civil appeals filed by Syed Gouse Mohiuddin Shah Khadri, the Sajjada Nasheen (hereditary administrator) of the Sufi shrine and the Citizens For Justice and Peace respectively.

The Citizens For Justice and Peace wants to maintain the secular nature of the shrine, while the Sajjada Nasheen is resisting the state's attempts to take over the management of the Dargah, located in the Chikmagalur district.

The shrine has a long history of litigations as in 1978 the property of Dargah was taken over by the Wakf board. The Sajjada Nasheen challenged the move and got a decree in its favour. Later, the government attempted to take it over.

The apex court, which today ordered authorities to maintain status quo, has now asked the state government to take an informed decision.

In 2008 also, the Supreme Court had ordered status quo at the shrine "in terms of the order of February 25, 1989, passed by the Commissioner for Religious and Charitable Endowments in Karnataka" until final orders. The 1989 order had codified rituals upholding the syncretic practices.

The shrine is said to be named after Sufi saint Baba Budan, also called Guru Dattatreya, who is revered by both the communities.