Bombay HC Questions PoP Idol Immersion In Water Bodies

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday questioned the necessity of immersing Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols in natural water bodies, citing potential pollution.

A bench of Justices Ajey Gadkari and Kamal Khata is hearing petitions seeking implementation of the 2020 Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines, which impose a ban on immersion of PoP idols in natural water bodies.

The petitions have also challenged the Maharashtra government's immersion guidelines issued on August 1, 2025, which permit immersion of PoP idols over six feet in natural water bodies and smaller ones in artificial ponds.

Senior advocate S.M. Gorwadkar, appearing for PoP idol-makers, suggested symbolic immersion for larger idols, where devotees would perform the immersion ritual symbolically by touching the idol's feet to the water.

Gorwadkar said the suggestion was aimed at preventing pollution and protecting the environment under Article 51A(g) of the Constitution.

Although the idol-makers had challenged the ban on PoP idol immersion, Gorwadkar said nothing remained to be challenged after the CPCB clarified that the guidelines were only 'advisory'.

He emphasised that there is a need to prevent the use of toxic substances and chemical paints, which are major contributors to water pollution.

Idol-making accounts for only a minuscule share of total PoP production, Gorwadkar said, adding that there is a need for a broader policy to manage PoP waste generated by sectors such as construction and medical applications.

Advocate Uday Warunjikar, appearing for Akhil Sarvajanik Utsav Samiti Maharashtra, which represents Ganesh mandals, opposed symbolic immersion, stating that 'Dharma Shastra does not permit symbolic visarjan'.

Justice Gadkari then asked him to produce a scripture supporting PoP idol immersion.

Warunjikar replied that Hindu scriptures were written around 3,000 years ago, when PoP did not even exist and idols were still immersed.

The court will continue hearing arguments in the matter on Wednesday.

The issue of PoP idol immersion has been a long-standing concern in Mumbai, with environmentalists and civic authorities raising concerns about the pollution caused by these idols in the city's water bodies.

The CPCB guidelines aim to mitigate this pollution by promoting the use of eco-friendly idols and imposing a ban on immersion of PoP idols in natural water bodies.

The Maharashtra government's immersion guidelines, however, have been challenged by various stakeholders, including idol-makers and Ganesh mandals, who argue that the guidelines are impractical and infringe upon their religious rights.

The Bombay High Court's decision in this matter is likely to have significant implications for the environment and religious practices in Mumbai.

As the court continues to hear arguments in the matter, it remains to be seen whether a balance can be struck between religious sentiments and environmental concerns.