Supreme Court tells Karnataka to stop Devadasi ritual immediately

February 14, 2014

New Delhi, Feb 14: The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed shock over the “proposed” dedication of hundreds of dalit girls as Devadasis at Davangere district on the eve of full moon day and directed Karnataka's chief secretary to take steps to stop it immediately.

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A three-judge bench presided by Chief Justice P Sathasivam described the age-old practice as a “national shame” and issued orders to the state government after a Kerala-based NGO sought the court's intervention on an urgent basis through a PIL.

Advocate V K Biju, appearing for petitioner S L Foundation, referred to news reports indicating that hundreds of girls would be brought for the dedication ceremony on the full moon day of Magha month, February 14, for becoming Devadasis.

He said the ceremony was proposed to be held at Uttangi Durga temple on Uchungi Hill, Davangere district. A Devadasi, dedicated to temple services for the rest of her life, is often subjected to sexual exploitation.

The bench, also comprising Justices Ranjana Prakash Desai and Ranjan Gogoi, said, “We direct the chief secretary to ensure that no such incident takes place either during the night of 13th February, 2014, or in the early hours of 14th February, 2014.”

“Chief  Secretary, Bangalore, State of Karnataka, is directed to take all preventive measures in respect of a programme to be held on early hours of 14 th February, 2014, in Uttangi Mala Durga Temple at Harappanahalli Taluk of Davangere District, Karnataka, wherein dalit girl children will be dedicated as Devadasis,” the bench added.

While ordering the registry to communicate the court's order immediately to the chief secretary, the bench also issued notices to the Centre, National Commission for Women (NCW) and states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu where the practice was contended to be still prevalent.

The petition said that though Karnataka and Maharashtra had passed separate legislations abolishing the ceremony, the practice still continued at several places as per the NCW report which claimed that 2.5 lakh dalit girls were dedicated to temples in Karnataka-Maharashtra border.

“Even though outlawed, the Devadasi system persists, forcing women into a life time of sexual exploitation,” it said, quoting news reports about another proposed ceremony to be held at Thimilapura temple at Halya near Hospet in north Karnataka.

The petitioner also sought immediate direction to the Centre and states to take steps to stop the practice and rehabilitate the victims.

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News Network
December 2,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 2: Mangaluru International Airport responded to a medical emergency late on Monday night. Air India Express flight IX 522, travelling from Riyadh to Thiruvananthapuram, was diverted to Mangaluru Airport after a passenger in his late 30s experienced a medical emergency on board.

The Airport’s Operations Control Centre received an alert regarding the passenger’s health condition. The airport activated its emergency response protocol, mobilising the airport medical team and coordinating with stakeholders including CISF, immigration, and customs. 

Upon landing, airport medical personnel attended to the passenger, assessed his condition, and arranged to shift him to a local tertiary-care hospital for further treatment. The passenger’s relatives accompanied the passenger, who incidentally received necessary medical care on board, which helped stabilise the situation.

Following the handling of the emergency, the flight departed for Thiruvananthapuram at 2:05 am on Tuesday.

"We appreciate the cooperation of all parties involved, and this incident reaffirms our ongoing commitment to prioritising passenger safety and readiness to respond to unforeseen emergencies with professionalism and care," the Airport spokesperson said. 

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News Network
December 16,2025

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Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. 

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News Network
December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

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