Bombay High Court Denies Permission for Chhath Puja at Girgaon Chowpatty

Mumbai, November 10 (Daily Kiran) : The Bombay High Court has ruled against allowing the Chhath Puja celebrations at Girgaon Chowpatty in South Mumbai on November 15 and 16. The court dismissed an urgent petition related to the event.

The case was heard by a vacation bench comprising Justice Advait M. Sethna and Justice Ranjitsingh Raja Bhosale. The petition challenged an order from the DB Marg police station, which had denied permission for the construction of a platform and other arrangements for the puja at the beach.

The petition was filed by the Mithila Chhath Puja Association, which sought permission to hold the celebrations at Girgaon Chowpatty. The organizers intended to set up a platform from 3 PM on November 15 until 8 AM on November 16, along with other necessary arrangements for the rituals. However, the senior inspector at DB Marg police station objected to the proposal on September 17 and denied the request. The association subsequently approached the High Court to contest this decision.

During the hearing, the court emphasized that the right to religious freedom is not absolute. Referring to Article 25 of the Constitution, the bench noted that while every citizen has the freedom to practice their religion, this freedom is subject to public order, health, and morality.

The judges remarked that India is a nation of diverse religions. The Constitution grants individuals the right to worship according to their beliefs, but it also imposes certain rules and balances. It is essential to consider public interest and law and order when conducting religious events.

The court further stated that if a religious event impacts public order, it may be subject to restrictions. Based on these grounds, the court declined to intervene in the police’s decision and dismissed the petition.