The Madras High Court disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking direction against the respondents to forbear from issuing permissions permitting organisation to take out processions during this year carrying large sized plaster of Lord Vinayagar idols and other idols made of any other chemicals and immersing such idols in sea, rivers and other water resources anywhere in Madurai.
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has enumerated the Central Pollution Control Board Rules from dissolving Lord Vinayagar statues. The same reads thus:
“Role and Responsibilities of the local and urban authorities.
i) Licenses/permits may be granted by the Local and Urban bodies within respective jurisdiction to only those idol Manufacturers or Makers or Crafts Man or Artisans who uses only Eco-friendly natural clay materials (But not PoP or baked clay) in making idols, prior to festive times.
Hence, proper action may be taken on the basis of this complaint in accordance with Tamil Nadu District Municipalities Act, 1920 and Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939 and same shall be intimated to the complainant as per well as this office.”
The revised guidelines for idol immersion issued by the Central Pollution Control Board is also placed on record and it is submitted by the Government Pleader that these guidelines would be adhered to.
“As far as taking out procession is concerned, it is for the authorities to control and navigate the procession in an orderly manner. The guidelines are also laid down by the Central Pollution Control Board regarding immersing the idols and the same are in place. It is expected from the authorities to adhere to the same or to implement the same”, the Division Bench of Chief Justice Sanjay V. Gangapurwala and Justice C. Kumarappan observed while disposing of the PIL.