Mumbai High Court Seeks Maharashtra Government's Stance on Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idols

Court's Inquiry on Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idols

Mumbai, July 28 - The Bombay High Court has requested the Maharashtra government to clarify its position regarding the use of environmentally friendly clay idols during the upcoming Ganesh festival, following an appeal from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A bench comprising Justice Ajay Gadkari and Justice Kamal Khata posed questions to the state government while hearing several petitions against the use of plaster of Paris (POP) idols, granting Advocate General Milind Sathe until Wednesday to present the government's stance. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had prohibited the use of POP idols in guidelines issued in 2020.

The court referenced Prime Minister Modi's radio program 'Mann Ki Baat,' aired on Sunday, where he urged citizens to opt for eco-friendly clay idols. The court sought the government's opinion on this matter. After the CPCB clarified last year that its guidelines were advisory in nature, the court allowed the immersion of POP idols taller than six feet in natural water bodies, in accordance with the state government's 2025 policy.

Public interest petitions have been filed requesting strict enforcement of the CPCB's guidelines. However, manufacturers of POP idols have also submitted petitions, arguing that such restrictions infringe upon their fundamental right to conduct business.