The Bombay High Court declined immediate relief on a plea seeking permission for Chhath Puja at Girgaon Chowpatty. The bench stressed that religious freedom remains subject to public order, morality and health.
The Bombay High Court on Monday declined to grant immediate relief to the Mithila Chhath Puja Sangh, which sought permission to organise Chhath Puja celebrations at Mumbai’s Girgaon Chowpatty on November 15 and 16.
A vacation bench of Justices Advait M Sethna and Ranjitsinha Raja Bhonsale was hearing a petition challenging the DB Marg police station’s refusal to allow the construction of a stage and other arrangements for the religious event at the beach.
During the hearing, the bench observed that religious freedom guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution is subject to certain restrictions.
“We are a country of diverse faiths, and Article 25 of the Constitution mandates that subject to public order, health, and morality, one has a right to practice religion of his/her own choice. So, there are checks and balance carved out,” the judges remarked.
The dispute arose after the police, in a letter dated September 17, informed the organisers that a High Power Committee appointed by the High Court for the management of Girgaon Chowpatty had restricted events at the venue.
The committee had permitted only Ganeshotsav, Navratri Utsav, Ramlila, Krishnalila and Christmas celebrations. Organisers of other events were required to obtain prior permission from all concerned departments.
Following the police communication, the Sangh submitted a representation to the Maharashtra Chief Minister on October 7, seeking permission to hold the celebrations. The court was informed that the representation was still pending.
