In a swift development, Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud has agreed to expedite a crucial hearing within the next few hours. This hearing pertains to a petition challenging a Division Bench order from the Madras High Court, which has effectively halted the sale of Ganesh idols crafted from Plaster of Paris (PoP).
Notably, the idols in question are traditionally immersed as part of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, scheduled for September 19.
The Division Bench of the Madras High Court issued this prohibition on the sale of PoP idols during an extraordinary session held on a Sunday, reversing a previous Single Judge order that had allowed sales by artisans. However, the Single Judge’s order had imposed strict conditions, such as maintaining a comprehensive register for authorities’ inspection and limiting the immersion process for PoP idols.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud expressed incredulity at the prospect of halting the sale without allowing for immersion. This crucial point was raised by senior advocate Shyam Divan, representing the petitioners. He emphasized that the artisans were diligently crafting these idols and questioned the rationale behind suspending their sale.
In response, Chief Justice Chandrachud has consented to prioritize this case for immediate consideration at the conclusion of the day’s caseload.
The Division Bench’s order on Sunday stated, “there shall be an order of interim stay of operation of the orde [of the Single Judge]. The appellants may take appropriate action against any one to prevent manufacturing, selling or immersion of idols made of plaster of paris or plastics, etc, in adherence to the revised guidelines.” This decision rested on the precedents set by the National Green Tribunal and the directives of the Pollution Control Board.
The matter now stands poised for a swift and vital deliberation in the nation’s highest court.
