Bombay High Court Refuses Stage Permission for Chhath Puja at Girgaon Chowpatty
The court said religious freedom has limits and noted the beach is governed by a monitoring committee that restricts events to approved celebrations.
- On Monday, the Bombay High Court declined the Mithila Chhath Puja Sangh's plea to construct a stage at Girgaon Chowpatty for Chhath Puja celebrations scheduled for November 15 and 16.
- Police had previously denied the Sangh's application in September, citing a court-appointed Monitoring Committee that restricts beach events to Ganeshotsav, Navratri Utsav, Ramlila, Krishnalila, and Christmas.
- The High Court cited a 2018 order requiring the Monitoring Committee to be named as a party in any legal proceedings regarding temporary beach construction, which the petitioner failed to do.
- Justices Advait Sethna and Ranjitsinha Bhonsale noted that Article 25 of the Constitution guarantees religious freedom but is subject to public order, morality, and health, stating, "The Constitution gives rights, but there are limits too."
- The bench declined to direct an alternative venue, leaving the Sangh free to pursue other legal remedies, while the case is listed for further consideration after the court reopens following the Diwali vacation.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Bombay High Court refuses stage permission for Chhath Puja at Girgaon Chowpatty
A Bench of Justices Advait Sethna and Ranjitsinha Bhonsale held that Article 25 places freedom of conscience and freedom to profess, practise and propagate religion within order, morality and health
Bombay HC denies relief to Chhath Puja organisers, cites checks and balances
The Bombay High Court declined immediate relief on a plea seeking permission for Chhath Puja at Girgaon Chowpatty. The bench stressed that religious freedom remains subject to public order, morality and health.
The Bombay High Court has refused to allow the Chhath Puja festival to be held at Girgaon Chowpatty on November 15 and 16. The court stated that the right to religious freedom is subject to regulations related to public order, health, and morality. The police had previously denied permission for the construction of the stage and the event.
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