Bombay HC lifts PoP idol manufacturing ban, immersion in natural water still restricted

In a significant relief to artisans ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, the Bombay High Court on Monday modified its earlier order that had completely banned the manufacture and sale of Ganpati idols made from Plaster of Paris (PoP). The court stated that while the production and sale of PoP idols will now be permitted, their immersion in natural water bodies will remain prohibited unless specific permission is granted by the court.

The division bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne made this ruling after reviewing an affidavit from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which clarified that its 2020 guidelines against PoP were only recommendatory and not legally binding. The court observed that CPCB was diluting its own authority by not enforcing its powers clearly.

The Maharashtra government, which had previously sought clarification from the CPCB, has now been granted three weeks by the court to present its official stand. The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for June 30, just 65 days before Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations begin on August 27.

The bench acknowledged the urgency due to the approaching festival and noted that its January ban order has now been modified. However, it reiterated that environmental concerns surrounding idol immersion remain valid, and any further immersion decisions will require court approval.