Bombay High Court Allows Making Of PoP Ganpati Idols, Bars Immersion In Natural Water Bodies
Bombay High Court Allows Making Of PoP Ganpati Idols, Bars Immersion In Natural Water Bodies
Mumbai | June 9, 2025 – In a significant relief to artisans and idol makers ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi 2025, the Bombay High Court on Monday lifted its earlier ban on the manufacture and sale of Ganpati idols made from Plaster of Paris (PoP). However, the court maintained that PoP idols cannot be immersed in natural water bodies without explicit permission.
The decision was issued by a division bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne, following submissions from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and state authorities.
Manufacture Allowed, Immersion Regulated
The court clarified in its order:
“It will be open to the petitioners as well as artisans to make PoP idols. However, the same shall not be immersed in natural water bodies without the leave of the court.”
This marks a modification to the court’s January 2025 order, which had imposed a complete ban on PoP idols, sparking concern among traditional idol makers across Maharashtra.
CPCB Admits Guidelines Were Advisory
The CPCB, through its affidavit, stated that its 2020 guidelines against PoP idols were not statutory, but merely recommendatory. It also confirmed that there is no existing legal prohibition on the manufacture or sale of PoP idols.
Taking note, the bench remarked,
“This is a classic case of diluting one’s own authority. The court is saying you have the power; you are saying no.”
State Government Gets Three Weeks to Clarify
With just 65 days left for Ganesh Chaturthi, which begins on August 27, the High Court has granted the Maharashtra government three weeks to present its clear stance on the matter. The next hearing is scheduled for June 30, 2025.
Maharashtra Advocate General Dr Birendra Saraf sought time to clarify the state’s position after the CPCB’s statement created ambiguity regarding enforcement.
The decision has been welcomed by idol makers and festival organisers, though the restriction on immersions in natural water bodies remains in place to safeguard the environment.
