Today, On 4th April, The Supreme Court allowed the Jharkhand government to switch off electricity during Ram Navami celebrations. This measure aims to enhance safety during the festival. Authorities believe it will help prevent potential electrocution incidents. The decision is part of ongoing efforts to ensure public safety during large gatherings.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday, authorized the Jharkhand government and its power distribution company to cut power supply along the routes of the Ram Navami processions to prevent electrocution incidents.
This ruling set-aside the Jharkhand High Court’s earlier directive that prohibited state authorities from cutting power during religious processions.
The decision by the Supreme Court to allow these power cuts comes amid safety concerns related to the upcoming Ram Navami celebrations, which will take place on Sunday, April 6.
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A bench consisting of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan heard the case.
Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the JMM-led state government, argued that during Ram Navami processions, participants often carry long flags, which could lead to dangerous electrocution incidents.
The bench, however, instructed the Jharkhand government to limit the power cuts to the minimum necessary and restrict them to the procession routes. They also directed the state to ensure that hospitals maintain their power supply during the scheduled outages.
Additionally, the Supreme Court ordered the chief of the Jharkhand electricity department, Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL), to submit an undertaking to the high court confirming that the power cuts will be minimized and that emergency power supply to hospitals will be upheld.
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Recently, tensions flared during the Mangla Julus procession in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, when a confrontation occurred between two groups.
The “Mangla Juloos” is a religious procession that is part of the Ram Navami festivities, held every Tuesday after Holi leading up to the main festival.
The conflict escalated after one group raised an objectionable slogan near Jhanda Chowk, resulting in stone pelting and further intensifying the situation.
Also Read: Calcutta HC permits Ram Navami procession in Howrah
Ram Navami, commemorating the birth anniversary of Lord Rama, is observed with great enthusiasm across Jharkhand. Devotees flock to temples and public spaces, often using decorative lights and sound systems to enhance the festive atmosphere.
However, the surge in temporary electrical installations has raised alarms among local authorities, as past incidents have shown a risk of electrocution and other related accidents.
The government’s decision to intermittently cut power during peak hours is aimed at mitigating these risks, ensuring that the celebration remains joyous and safe.
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