The Bombay High Court has lifted the ban on making and selling Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesh idols ahead of Ganeshotsav 2025. This decision has brought relief to many artisans who had been impacted by the earlier restrictions. The division bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne reviewed an affidavit filed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) through advocate Abhinandan Vaigyanik. In its order, the bench said artisans and petitioners are allowed to make PoP idols. However, the idols cannot be immersed in natural water bodies without prior permission from the court. "We therefore, deem it appropriate to direct the State to take a decision w.r.t. to immersion of idols made of PoP in light of the recommendations made by the CPCB expert committee...needless to state that it will be open for associations or artisans to make idols of PoP however the same shall not immersed in any natural body," the court said while dictating the order as quoted by Live Law.
According to the reports, the court gave the Maharashtra government three weeks to clarify its position on the immersion of PoP idols. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on June 30. Following the state government’s letter to the CPCB, an expert committee examined the issue. The committee found no ban on manufacturing or selling PoP idols. However, immersion in natural water bodies is not allowed. The CPCB stated that its 2020 guidelines regarding PoP idols are recommendatory and not statutory.
Advocate General Dr. Birendra Saraf sought some flexibility for large idols. He said idols measuring 20 feet or more have become part of cultural traditions. The court responded that no PoP idol will be permitted for immersion in natural water bodies. It suggested that artificial water bodies be created for this purpose. The Advocate General also said the state would not object if festival committees reuse the same idol every year.
(With inputs from Live Law)