Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Pune Activist Faces Legal Notice Over Ganeshotsav Remarks and Beliefs
Vidyanand Bapat has been speaking against very loud music and loudspeakers during Pune’s Ganesh festival.
He says the noise can affect people living nearby.
Some people believe that comments he made about Lord Ganesha and Hindu traditions were insulting.
Advocate Pradeep Naik sent Bapat a legal notice.
The notice gives Bapat 48 hours to explain himself and apologize.
It says legal action may follow if his response is not satisfactory.
The accusations have not been proved in court.
The dispute comes after Bapat was allegedly attacked during the same controversy.
Advocate Pradeep Naik issued Vidyanand Bapat a 48-hour legal notice over alleged derogatory remarks about Lord Ganesha, Ganeshotsav and Hindu beliefs.
The notice seeks a written explanation and unconditional apology, warning of possible criminal and other legal action.
Bapat has campaigned against high-volume DJs and loudspeakers during Pune’s Ganeshotsav processions, citing noise pollution and residents’ concerns.
Naik said opinions on noise pollution and public festivals are acceptable but argued that religious sentiments should not be insulted.
The notice follows an alleged assault on Bapat on September 3; police arrested Santosh Chavan and provided Bapat security.
- Who
- Social activist Vidyanand Bapat received a notice from Bombay High Court advocate Pradeep Naik.
- What
- Bapat was asked to explain alleged objectionable remarks about Lord Ganesha, Ganeshotsav and Hindu beliefs, and to apologize.
- When
- The notice allows 48 hours for a response; the alleged assault occurred on September 3.
- Where
- The dispute concerns Pune, Maharashtra, including an alleged assault on Tilak Road.
- Why
- The notice followed Bapat’s public opposition to high-volume DJs and loudspeakers during Ganeshotsav and comments that Naik alleges hurt religious sentiments.
Bapat’s Noise-Pollution Position
Naik’s Religious-Sentiment Objection
Public festival remarks
Bapat’s Noise-Pollution Position
Bapat’s position has focused on noise pollution and the impact of loud celebrations on residents, while opposing high-decibel DJs and loudspeakers.
Naik’s Religious-Sentiment Objection
Naik does not oppose opinions about noise pollution, loudspeakers, processions or public festivals, but alleges that some statements insulted religious beliefs and revered deities.
Freedom of expression
Bapat’s Noise-Pollution Position
Bapat’s campaign concerns expressing opposition to noise levels during Ganeshotsav.
Naik’s Religious-Sentiment Objection
The notice argues that freedom of expression cannot be used to hurt the religious sentiments of others and demands clarification and an unconditional apology.
- Notice period
- 48 hours to submit a written explanation and unconditional apology
- Issued by
- Pradeep Naik, a Bombay High Court advocate
- Recipient
- Vidyanand Bapat, a social activist
- Disputed subjects
- Lord Ganesha, Ganeshotsav and Hindu religious beliefs
- Bapat’s campaign
- Opposition to high-volume DJs and loudspeakers during Pune processions
- Alleged assault
- Bapat was allegedly assaulted on Tilak Road on September 3
- Police action
- Santosh Chavan was arrested and security was provided to Bapat