Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Justice Varale Questions Kumbh Spending as Schools Face Closures
Justice Prasanna B Varale spoke about how Maharashtra plans to spend money on government projects.
He mentioned the Nashik Kumbh Mela, for which the government discussed spending Rs 32,000 crore.
The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister said the amount could be Rs 34,000 crore.
Justice Varale said he was not against spending money on the Kumbh Mela or other government works.
However, he suggested that a very small part of such spending could help stop schools from closing.
He also referred to recent road projects.
He made these comments at a school event in Shirpur.
The 2027 Kumbh Mela at Nashik and Trimbakeshwar is mainly expected between July and September.
Justice Prasanna B Varale said some government-project funds could help prevent schools from shutting down.
He referred to Maharashtra’s proposed allocation for the Nashik Kumbh Mela, reported as Rs 32,000 crore.
The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister reportedly said the allocation could reach Rs 34,000 crore.
Justice Varale said he had no objection to money being spent on government works, including roads and the Kumbh Mela.
He made the remarks on Sunday at an event organised by a school in Shirpur, Dhule district.
- Who
- Supreme Court Justice Prasanna B Varale, speaking about Maharashtra government spending.
- What
- Justice Varale suggested that a portion of funds planned for government projects could help prevent schools from shutting down, while saying he had no objection to the projects themselves.
- When
- Sunday; the Simhastha Kumbh Mela is scheduled mainly for July to September 2027.
- Where
- At a school-organised event in Shirpur, in Maharashtra’s Dhule district; the Kumbh Mela will be held at Nashik and Trimbakeshwar.
- Why
- He said he had noticed concern and wanted to highlight the possibility of using a small portion of major project allocations to support schools.
Prioritize Schools
Fund Government Works
Use of public funds
Prioritize Schools
Justice Varale suggested that a portion of funds planned for major government projects could be used to prevent schools from closing; the headline said 0.1% could save schools.
Fund Government Works
Justice Varale said he had no objection to spending money on government works, including the Kumbh Mela and road projects.
Kumbh Mela allocation
Prioritize Schools
The remarks raised concern about allocating Rs 32,000 crore, or potentially Rs 34,000 crore, to the Kumbh Mela while schools need support.
Fund Government Works
The Maharashtra government described substantial funding for the Kumbh Mela as part of its planned government works.
- Speaker
- Justice Prasanna B Varale of the Supreme Court
- Kumbh allocation cited
- Rs 32,000 crore
- Possible revised allocation
- Rs 34,000 crore, according to the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister
- Kumbh location
- Nashik and Trimbakeshwar
- Kumbh timing
- Mainly July to September 2027
- Event location
- Shirpur, Dhule district
- Suggested use of funds
- Helping prevent schools from shutting down