VHP leader Sharan Pumpwell fined ₹2 lakh by High Court for violating order
Chitradurga, —–The Karnataka High Court has imposed a fine of ₹2 lakh on Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) joint secretary Sharan Pumpwell for violating court conditions during the Hindu Mahaganapati Shobhayatra held recently in Chitradurga.
As per the order issued on Wednesday, Pumpwell must pay ₹1 lakh to the State Legal Services Authority and another ₹1 lakh to the Police Welfare Fund.
The district administration had earlier banned Pumpwell’s entry into Chitradurga ahead of the Hindu Mahaganapati Shobhayatra, citing potential law and order concerns. Challenging this decision, Pumpwell had approached the High Court, which subsequently lifted the ban but imposed certain conditions regarding his participation.
The court had specifically permitted his presence during the event between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on September 13. However, police later informed the court that Pumpwell remained at the venue until 12:45 p.m. and even delivered a speech during the procession, thereby violating the court’s directive.
Taking serious note of this, the High Court ruled that Pumpwell had breached its conditions and therefore imposed the fine.
The district administration’s initial move to restrict Pumpwell’s entry had sparked strong protests from BJP and Hindu organizations, who accused the government of discriminating against Hindu festivals and religious practices.
The controversy had escalated further when police poured water into the diesel tank of a DJ vehicle to prevent its use during the procession, citing sound restrictions. The incident led to widespread anger among Hindu activists. Following protests, police later allowed six DJ sound systems for the event.
Reacting earlier, Pumpwell had criticized the state government, saying, “I obtained permission from the High Court to attend the Shobhayatra. I don’t understand why the government is trying to suppress Hindu festivals and traditions.”
The High Court’s latest action is being viewed as a strong message that any violation of judicial directions—no matter how minor—will invite strict consequences.
