Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Friday adjourned till November 7 the hearing on a public interest litigation petition (PIL) which has questioned celebration of Tipu Jayanti across the State, particularly in Kodagu and Dakshina Kannada districts.

A Division Bench comprising acting Chief Justice H.G. Ramesh and Justice P.S. Dinesh Kumar, while declining to pass any interim order for now, adjourned further hearing on the petition, filed by Manjunath K.P., a resident of south Kodagu.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel contended that the State government had ignored the sentiments of local people and also the happenings during the past two years when there was violence in both Kodagu and the neighbouring Dakshina Kannada district in connection with Tipu Jayanti celebrations. It was claimed on behalf of the petitioner that Tipu Sultan, according to history, was a reason for conversion of Kodavas and he had killed thousands of Kodavas.

However, the State Advocate-General claimed the petition was a publicity exercise as it was filed just on the eve of Tipu Jayanti in an effort to sensationalise the issue, and pointed out that the petitioner had filed a similar petition last year too.