Vinayaka Chathurthi | Permit Only Eco-Friendly Idols, Implement Pollution Control Board’s Guidelines On Immersion: Madras High Court To Authorities

Chief Justice SV Gangapurwala and Justice C Kumarappan also noted that it was for the authorities concerned to ensure that the processions are carried out in an orderly manner.

“As far as taking out procession is concerned, it is for the authorities to control and navigate the procession in an orderly manner. The guidelines are also laid down by the Central Pollution Control Board regarding immersing the idols and the same are in place. It is expected from the authorities to adhere to the same or to implement the same,” the court noted.

The court was hearing a public interest petition asking the court to forbear the authorities from issuing permissions allowing processions to be carried out using large-sized plaster of Lord Vinayagar idols and other idols made of chemicals or allowing its immersion in sea, river, and other water resources.

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board informed the court that the Central Pollution Control Board Rules were already put in place according to which Licenses/permits were to be granted by the Local and Urban bodies within respective jurisdiction to only hose idol Manufacturers or Makers or Crafts Man or Artisans who uses only Eco-friendly natural clay materials (But not PoP or baked clay) in making idols, prior to festive times.

The court was also informed that according to the rules, proper action could be taken based on complaints in accordance with Tamil Nadu District Municipalities Act, 1920 and Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939. The government pleader also assured the court that these rules will be adhered to.

Based on this submission, the court disposed of the petition noting that the rules were already in place and it was for the authorities to ensure compliance to the rules.

Counsel for the Petitioner:. Mr.M.Murugan

Counsel for the Respondents: Mr.P.Thilak Kumar - for R1, R4 & R5 Government Pleader Mrs.S.Devasena - for R3 Standing Counsel Mrs.Vijayakumari Natarajan - for R2

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Mad) 266

Case Title: M Arasupandi v The District Collector

Case No: WP (MD) No. 21124 of 2023