Bombay HC Hears PoP Idol Immersion Case: CPCB Guidelines vs State Policy
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Bombay High Court is hearing a batch of petitions on the immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols, with the Maharashtra government seeking relaxation of norms to allow large idols in natural water bodies. Environmentalists argue that CPCB guidelines are binding and cannot be diluted, highlighting a conflict between environmental protection and religious practices.
Background
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) issued guidelines in 2020 prohibiting immersion of PoP idols in natural water bodies due to environmental harm. Maharashtra's policy allows immersion of PoP idols over six feet in natural water bodies, while smaller idols must be immersed in artificial ponds. The case involves petitions from environmentalists and PoP idol manufacturers.
Key facts
The Bombay High Court bench of Justices Ajey Gadkari and Kamal Khata is hearing a batch of petitions on PoP idol immersion.
Environmentalist Rohit Joshi filed a PIL seeking strict implementation of CPCB 2020 guidelines banning PoP idol immersion in natural water bodies.
PoP idol manufacturers have challenged the CPCB guidelines, claiming violation of their fundamental right to carry on business.
Senior advocate Mihir Desai argued that CPCB guidelines are binding and cannot be diluted by state policy.
The state government seeks to allow immersion of PoP idols taller than six feet in natural water bodies.
The court observed that manufacturers see the petition as adversarial, but the court views it as a public interest matter.
The Supreme Court, NGT, and Telangana and Calcutta High Courts have upheld the CPCB guidelines.
The final hearing is scheduled for July 20, 2026.
Prelims pointers
- CPCB: Central Pollution Control Board, statutory body under Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
- CPCB 2020 guidelines: Prohibit immersion of PoP idols in natural water bodies.
- Plaster of Paris (PoP): Non-biodegradable material harmful to aquatic ecosystems.
- Bombay High Court: Has jurisdiction over Maharashtra, Goa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu.
- National Green Tribunal (NGT): Specialized body for environmental disputes.
- Fundamental right to carry on business: Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution.
Mains angles
- GS2 Polity: Conflict between state policy and central guidelines; judicial review of executive actions.
- GS3 Environment: Environmental impact of PoP idols; balancing development and conservation.
- GS2 Governance: Role of CPCB and NGT in environmental regulation; public interest litigation.
- GS1 Society: Religious practices vs environmental sustainability; cultural traditions and legal frameworks.