A petition was filed by Rohit Joshi and nine small-scale clay idol craftsmen, who raised concerns that despite existing bans, PoP idols are still available in the market. The court took serious note of this issue and directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and all civic bodies in Maharashtra to strictly implement the guidelines, especially before the Maghi Ganesh festival on February 1 and 2.
Bombay: The Bombay High Court has issued an interim order strictly prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and immersion of idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP). The court emphasized the importance of following the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines to protect the environment.
The order was passed on Thursday, January 30, 2025, by a Division Bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Bharati Dangre.
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A petition was filed by Rohit Joshi and nine small-scale clay idol craftsmen, who raised concerns that despite existing bans, PoP idols are still available in the market. The court took serious note of this issue and directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and all civic bodies in Maharashtra to strictly implement the guidelines, especially before the Maghi Ganesh festival on February 1 and 2.
The CPCB had already issued strict guidelines on May 12, 2020, banning the manufacturing, sale, and immersion of PoP idols. The guidelines encourage idol makers to use natural, biodegradable, and eco-friendly materials instead. However, petitioners pointed out that many idol makers continue to use PoP despite the ban.
Advocate Ronita Bhattacharya, representing the petitioners, argued before the court that even though restrictions exist, PoP idols are still being produced and sold. She urged the court to take immediate action to enforce the ban.
On behalf of the BMC, advocate Milind Sathe responded that the municipal body has been actively working to implement the CPCB’s revised guidelines and ensure compliance.
However, advocate S.M. Gorwadkar, appearing for the association of idol makers, requested the court not to pass an adverse order, stating that a complete ban would impact the livelihood of many idol artisans.
The Bombay High Court refused to entertain the appeal made by the idol makers and firmly upheld the ban.
The Bench stated, “It is directed that respondent corporations shall ensure that the revised CPCB guidelines, which ban the making of PoP idols, shall be adhered to strictly in letter and spirit henceforth.”
The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on March 20, 2025
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