Bombay HC Seeks Maharashtra Stand on PM Modi's Eco-Friendly Clay Ganesh Idols Appeal
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Bombay High Court has asked the Maharashtra government to clarify its stance on Prime Minister Modi's appeal for eco-friendly clay Ganesh idols during the festival. This comes amid ongoing petitions over the use and immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols, highlighting the conflict between religious practices and environmental protection.
Background
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) issued revised guidelines in 2020 prohibiting immersion of PoP idols in natural water bodies. These guidelines were initially upheld by the Bombay High Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) as mandatory, but in 2025 the CPCB changed its position, calling them advisory. The Maharashtra government subsequently allowed immersion of PoP idols taller than six feet in natural water bodies based on this advisory nature.
Key facts
Bombay High Court bench of Justices Ajey Gadkari and Kamal Khata heard petitions on CPCB's 2020 guidelines banning PoP idol immersion in natural water bodies.
The court referred to PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat address (July 26, 2026) urging use of eco-friendly clay idols.
The court asked the Maharashtra government to clarify its response to the PM's appeal.
CPCB counsel submitted that the 2020 guidelines are advisory, not mandatory, despite earlier court and NGT rulings treating them as mandatory.
The court questioned CPCB's change in stand in 2025, allegedly based on Maharashtra government's request and a committee recommendation.
Petitions include a PIL by environmentalist Rohit Joshi for strict enforcement, and challenges by PoP idol manufacturers citing violation of fundamental right to business.
Last year, the High Court permitted immersion of PoP idols taller than six feet in natural water bodies, relying on Maharashtra's immersion policy (August 1, 2025) and CPCB's advisory clarification.
Further hearing is scheduled for Wednesday (July 29, 2026).
Prelims pointers
- Bombay High Court
- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
- National Green Tribunal (NGT)
- Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols
- Mann Ki Baat
- CPCB 2020 revised guidelines
- Fundamental right to carry on business (Article 19(1)(g))
- Environment protection vs religious practices
Mains angles
- GS2: Role of judiciary in environmental governance and conflict between fundamental rights and environmental protection.
- GS3: Environmental pollution from idol immersion; effectiveness of regulatory guidelines and enforcement mechanisms.
- GS2: Centre-state relations in environmental policy implementation; advisory vs mandatory guidelines.