Bombay High Court Lifts Ban on Ganesh Idols Made of Plaster of Paris
In a significant ruling, the Bombay High Court has overturned its previous ban on the manufacture and sale of Ganesh idols made from Plaster of Paris. The court's decision allows artisans to create these idols, although immersion in natural water bodies will still require prior approval. The Maharashtra government has been given three weeks to clarify its position on the matter. This ruling follows the findings of an expert committee that recommended no restrictions on the production of POP idols, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding environmental concerns and traditional practices.
| Jun 9, 2025, 17:31 IST
Court Reverses Previous Order
The Bombay High Court has rescinded its earlier ruling from January that imposed a complete ban on the creation and sale of Ganesh idols made from Plaster of Paris (POP). The bench, consisting of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne, reviewed a petition filed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) through advocate Abhinandan Vaigyanik.
Conditions for Idol Immersion
In its latest order, the court stated that the production of POP idols will remain permissible for both the petitioners and the artisans involved. However, it emphasized that these idols cannot be immersed in natural water bodies without prior court approval. The bench has granted the Maharashtra government three weeks to clarify its position and will reconvene to hear the petitions on June 30.
Expert Committee's Findings
The Maharashtra government had previously communicated with the CPCB, leading to the formation of an expert committee to review the matter. This committee concluded that there should be no restrictions on the manufacturing and sale of POP idols, although immersion in natural water bodies remains prohibited. The CPCB also clarified that its guidelines issued in 2020 regarding POP were not legally binding but merely advisory. Following this hearing, the bench remarked that this situation exemplifies a classic case of undermining one's own authority, as the court noted that the CPCB has the power yet is refusing to act. In response to the CPCB's statements, Maharashtra's Advocate General Dr. Birendra Saraf requested additional time to clarify the state's stance on the issue.