Bombay HC Asks Maharashtra Govt On Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idols

The Bombay High Court on Monday asked the Maharashtra government to clarify its stance on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent appeal to use eco-friendly clay idols during the upcoming Ganesh festival.

The court's request came while hearing a batch of petitions related to the use and immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols in natural water bodies. A bench of Justices Ajey Gadkari and Kamal Khata was hearing the petitions, which include a public interest litigation filed by environmentalist Rohit Joshi seeking strict enforcement of the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) 2020 revised guidelines.

The CPCB guidelines prohibit the immersion of PoP idols in natural water bodies, and the petitions also include challenges from PoP idol manufacturers who claim that the restrictions violate their fundamental right to carry on business.

During the hearing, the court referred to Prime Minister Modi's Mann Ki Baat address, in which he urged citizens to use eco-friendly clay idols, and asked the state government to respond to the appeal. Advocate General Milind Sathe requested time to respond, and the matter has been posted for further hearing on Wednesday.

The court also questioned the CPCB over its change in position regarding the nature of the 2020 guidelines. The CPCB had previously stated that the guidelines were mandatory, but now claims that they are only advisory in nature.

The bench pointed out that both the High Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had previously proceeded on the understanding that the guidelines were mandatory, and asked why the CPCB had altered its stand only in 2025.

The CPCB's counsel, Abhinandan Vagyani, replied that the change was based on the Maharashtra government's request and the recommendation of a committee.

The hearing will continue on Wednesday, and the court will consider the petitions and the Maharashtra government's response to Prime Minister Modi's appeal.

The use of eco-friendly clay idols has been a topic of discussion in recent years, with many environmentalists and citizens advocating for their use to reduce pollution in natural water bodies.

The Maharashtra government's response to the Prime Minister's appeal will be crucial in determining the outcome of the case, and the court's decision will have significant implications for the environment and the idol-making industry.

In conclusion, the Bombay High Court's request for the Maharashtra government's stance on eco-friendly clay idols is a significant development in the case, and the outcome will be closely watched by environmentalists, citizens, and the idol-making industry.