Supreme Court Issues Notice in Plea against Bombay High Court Orders Allowing Plaster Of Paris Idol Immersion

The Supreme Court on Plaster of Paris idol immersion has issued notice on a petition challenging two interim orders of the Bombay High Court dated June 9, 2025, and July 24, 2025. A bench of Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran issued the notice, returnable in four weeks.

On June 9, the High Court modified its earlier order of January 30, 2025, which had prohibited the use of Plaster of Paris (PoP) for idol making. The Court allowed the manufacture of such idols but restricted their immersion in natural water bodies without prior permission. Later, on July 24, the High Court permitted the State’s Idol Immersion Policy to remain effective until March 2026 and increased the permissible idol height from five to six feet.

Petitioners’ Concerns

The petition, filed through Advocate Srishti Agnihotri, argues that these interim orders will cause irreparable damage to natural water bodies across Maharashtra. It states that the orders not only undermine statutory environmental guidelines but also threaten the right to a clean and healthy environment guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.

According to the plea, the State Government’s Idol Immersion Policy allows PoP idols taller than five feet to be immersed in natural water bodies, with retrieval later by municipal authorities. The petitioners contend that such a policy is impractical, environmentally harmful, and contrary to the precautionary principle.

Violation of CPCB Guidelines

A key contention is that the Bombay High Court erred in treating the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) Revised Guidelines for Idol Immersion, issued on May 12, 2020, as merely advisory. The petition highlights that these guidelines, issued under Section 16 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, are binding and have been upheld as mandatory by the Supreme Court, various High Courts, and the National Green Tribunal.

The plea points out that the High Court relied on an oral statement from CPCB representatives suggesting a change in stance regarding the binding nature of the guidelines, without requiring a formal affidavit or amendment. This, according to the petitioners, undermines the sanctity of statutory directions.

Environmental Impact

The Supreme Court on Plaster of Paris idol immersion will now examine whether the High Court’s relaxation of restrictions could cause irreversible ecological harm. PoP idols, when immersed, release toxic chemicals and non-biodegradable waste into rivers, lakes, and seas. This pollutes water, harms aquatic life, and disrupts ecosystems.

The petition stresses that permitting such practices not only defies environmental safeguards but also sets a dangerous precedent. It warns that ignoring statutory norms in the name of convenience will dilute enforcement of environmental law across India.

What Lies Ahead

By issuing notice, the Supreme Court on Plaster of Paris idol immersion has signaled that the matter raises serious legal and environmental concerns. The petition seeks an immediate stay on the High Court orders until the case is finally decided.

The outcome will determine whether states can continue permitting practices that conflict with CPCB’s guidelines or whether stricter compliance with environmental norms will prevail. In this context, the Supreme Court on Plaster of Paris idol immersion is expected to play a decisive role in balancing faith, tradition, and ecological protection.

Case Title – Rohit Manohar Joshi v. State of Maharashtra & Ors, Case no. – SLP(C) No. 23621-23622/2025