New Delhi: The Supreme Court today
dismissed a PIL seeking a ban on immersion of idols of dieties
during festivals like Durga Puja and Dussehrra saying it
concerns the right to religious practice.
"You may bring it to the notice of the authorities. We
cannot give such direction. It is against Article 25 of the
Constitution," a Bench comprising Chief Justice K G
Balakrishnan and Justice J M Panchal said.
The PIL filed by Delhi resident Salek Chand Jain has
sought a ban on immersion of idols in rivers and other water
bodies contending the practice was harming the environment.
Advocate Sugriva Dubey said immersion of idols in
water bodies causes water contamination and makes it
non-potable due to dissolution of chemicals contained in
paints on idols.
The advocate made a reference to Delhi's river Yamuna
which was clogged by immersion of several idols during the
Durga Puja festival recently.
Bureau Report
First Published: Friday, November 20, 2009, 21:47