‘Clear application for installing Vinayaka idols by Monday’

Passing an interim order in this regard, Justice R Mahadevan directed the petitioners to submit their applications by 5 pm on September 08, along with necessary undertaking and the consent of the land owners from where power is drawn, adoption of commercial tariff for electricity consumption charges to the deputy superintendent of police in respect of outskirts and Assistant Commissioner of Police in respect of cities.

The judge on holding that the officer concerned shall ensure the compliance of directions issued by the division bench of this court, said, “The date, time and place regarding procession and immersion of idols shall be fixed by the authority concerned, as per the procedure.”

The petitioners had contended that they were eagerly awaiting to celebrate Vinayagar Chaturthi festival and procession during this year, but the Government imposed certain conditions of which at least seven of them are onerous and highly impracticable for conduct of the procession.

The conditions, which the petitioners objected, included directing the organisers to apply in a prescribed format to the Assistant Commissioner where there are police Commissionerates and RDO/sub-collector in all other cases, at least a month in advance along with NOC from other authorities. The idols proposed to be installed should be made of pure clay and not be made of any polluting materials such as Plaster of Paris or painted with prohibited polluting chemicals.

The fire and rescue services should ensure that fire safety norms and rules are strictly complied with the ‘pandhals’ including electrical installations before granting approval, while another direction objected to seeks the immersion of Vinayakar idols installed in public places within five days from the date of installation. The direction allowing only mini lorry and tractor for carrying the idols and banning the use of bullock cart, fish cart and other three wheelers was also objected to.