Karnataka High Court quashes Dharwad District administration’s order restricting entry of Kadusiddes
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court has set aside the Dharwad District Magistrate’s order that had barred Adrushya Kadusiddeshwara Swamiji of Kaneri Math, Kolhapur (Maharashtra), from entering Dharwad district until January 3, 2026.
The order, issued by the Dharwad Deputy Commissioner on November 4, was challenged by the Swamiji. Justice M. Nagaprasanna, presiding over a single-judge Bench, allowed the petition and struck down the prohibition.
The court observed that the district administration’s entry-ban order did not satisfy the constitutional and legal standards laid down by the Supreme Court. It noted that the restriction had been imposed merely on suspicion, without the government furnishing any concrete reasons.
The judge also recorded the undertaking made on behalf of the petitioner that the Swamiji would act responsibly and not violate any law. Accordingly, the court not only annulled the November 4 order but also invalidated all actions taken or likely to be taken under it.
Appearing for the Swamiji, advocate Venkatesh Dalavai argued that the government had issued the restriction under Section 163(4) of the Bharatiya Nagarika Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) without even issuing a show-cause notice. The programme scheduled in Dharwad had already concluded on November 7, he pointed out, questioning the rationale behind extending the ban until January 2026. He contended that the order lacked any valid or stated grounds, making it arbitrary and mala fide.
Counsel for the State submitted that the Deputy Commissioner had acted on a report from the Superintendent of Police. They claimed the Swamiji did not have adequate control over his speech, and that the restriction had been imposed as a precautionary step. The government argued that even the Supreme Court had not granted any relief earlier and maintained that the Swamiji’s actions were likely to disturb public sentiments.
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Former India hockey coach Michael Nobbs dies
Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.
He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.
"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.
Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.
Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.
Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.
Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.
