Bombay HC Maintains Ban on PoP Idol Immersion in Natural Water Bodies
The Bombay High Court on Friday extended its interim order restricting the immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesh idols in natural water bodies. The restriction will remain in effect until the court delivers its final judgment on a batch of petitions concerning PoP idol use.
A bench of Justices Ajay Gadkari and Kamal Khata reserved its verdict after hearing arguments on the matter. While the court had previously lifted restrictions on manufacturing and selling PoP idols following the Central Pollution Control Board's change in stance, it maintained that immersion in natural water bodies requires court permission.
Environmental activist Rohit Joshi's counsel argued that Maharashtra's policy allowing smaller idols in artificial ponds had failed in practice, with evidence showing PoP idols being immersed in natural water bodies in violation of court directions. The hearing highlighted implementation challenges in enforcing the restrictions.
