Mumbai Police Issues Notice to MNS Leader Over Chhath Puja Protests

Mumbai, November 14 (Daily Kiran) : Authorities in Mumbai are facing scrutiny following a request from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) regarding the Chhath Puja celebrations. On November 13, Dinesh Gyaneshwar Punde, the head of the MNS Malabar Hill division, wrote to the Mumbai Police and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), demanding a ban on the immersion of materials during the festival at Girgaum Chowpatty and Banganga.

In response, the Malabar Hill police issued a notice to Punde under Section 168 of the Indian National Security Code (BNSC), 2023. The notice referenced a Mumbai High Court ruling, which prohibits any religious activities, including Chhath Puja, at the Banganga tank area. This directive aims to mitigate pollution caused by such religious practices.

Punde’s letter highlighted that, similar to restrictions placed during the Ganesh Chaturthi and Navratri festivals on idol immersions, there should be a ban on any offerings or materials associated with Chhath Puja at these locations. He also called for iron barricades to be installed around the water bodies and requested enhanced security measures.

During a meeting on November 12 at the BMC’s ‘D’ department office, officials clarified that no permission had been granted for Chhath Puja at either Girgaum Chowpatty or Banganga tank.

The notice from police warned Punde about maintaining public order. It stated that protests, sit-ins, rallies, and any gatherings of five or more individuals without prior permission are prohibited in Malabar Hill and surrounding areas. The police made it clear that any violations of these orders could lead to legal action against Punde.