Archive · 23 Jul 2025
Bombay HC Questions Maharashtra's Ganesh Idol Immersion Policy
The Bombay High Court is looking at a new rule about how people in Maharashtra can immerse their Ganesh idols.
The government wants to let big idols (over 5 feet) go in rivers and the sea, but smaller ones have to go in special tanks.
The judges are worried about the environment, because the idols are made of stuff that doesn't break down, and letting 7,000 of them go in the water could cause problems.
They are asking if they can put even bigger idols in the tanks.
The government says the tanks might not be big enough and will be removed the following day.
Bombay High Court questioned the Maharashtra government's policy for Ganesh idol immersion.
The government's policy allows idols taller than 5 feet to be immersed in natural water bodies.
Approximately 1.96 lakh idols under 5 feet must be immersed in artificial tanks.
Judges expressed environmental concerns about immersing 7,000 PoP idols in natural water bodies.
The court asked the government to reconsider the policy and postponed the hearing.
- Who
- The Bombay High Court and the Maharashtra government.
- What
- Bombay High Court is reviewing the Maharashtra government's policy on Ganesh idol immersion.
- When
- The hearing was on Wednesday, July 23rd, with a postponement until Thursday.
- Where
- Bombay High Court, Maharashtra.
- Why
- To assess the environmental impact of the idol immersion policy.
Court's Position
Government's Position
Environmental Protection vs. Practicality
Court's Position
Minimising environmental impact of idol immersion is paramount.
Government's Position
Ensuring logistically feasible idol immersion process.
- Court
- Bombay High Court
- Subject
- Ganesh Idol Immersion Policy
- Government Policy
- Idols > 5 feet in natural water bodies, < 5 feet in artificial tanks
- Idols < 5 feet
- ~1.96 lakh
- Idols > 5 feet
- ~7,000
- Court Concern
- Environmental impact of immersion in natural water bodies