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Individuals can immerse idols, but not on Marina: HC
The Madras High Court on Friday directed the State government to permit individuals to leave Vinayaga idols either outside temples or immerse them in nearby waterbodies and beaches – excluding the stretch between Santhome and Napier bridge.
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Though the government contended that the Madurai bench has already upheld the GO that prohibited public procession and idol immersion, and that any modification of the order may give an impression that organisations have been permitted to go on procession and involve in mass immersion with a larger gathering, a division bench comprising Justice MM Sundresh and Justice R Hemalatha overruled it.
“There is no difficulty in holding that the practice which has been followed for decades… will not have any bearing to either the pandemic situation or law and order,” the bench said. The bench held that it would be done by individuals and not organisations, and hence there was no possibility of the spread of the infection. “The regular restriction on the number of persons also would apply to these cases,” it added.
The court also recorded the submissions by Hindu Munnani and Shiv Sena that they do not wish to undertake any public procession.
The bench added that the decision was arrived at also because of the situation of local artisans who prepared the Vinayaga idols. Their business has already been affected due to the pandemic, and they would be reduced to starvation and penury.
“On this account also, we are of the view that the directions are necessary as they would facilitate the usage of the clay idols manufactured by the local artisans,” the bench added.
RELIEF DESPITE BAN ORDERS
- Individuals are permitted to have their own Vinayaga idols in front of their respective houses after ceremony
- The idols can be placed at the entry point of temples
- Individuals are allowed to immerse idols which can be carried out only by a single person in the water bodies
- Permission given is restricted only to the individuals alone
- Total bar to undertake the same activities by organisations
- Restrictions in place including those regarding time and social distancing will apply
- Govt at liberty to take appropriate action in the event of a violation
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