Published 21:47 IST, August 22nd 2020
Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: Madras High Court allows individuals to install, immerse idols
"Individuals across the state of Tamil Nadu shall be allowed to install idols at home," said a two-judge bench of Madras H C, upholding the decision of TN Govt.
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High Court of Madras, in its ruling on Friday, had vindicated decision of TN government, that sought to ban festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, amidst Coronavirus pandemic.
" individuals will be allowed to install and immerse idols within state," said a division bench, consisting of Justice MM Sundresh and Justice R Hemalatha, while disposing of petitions that had challenged decisions TN government to ban celebrations.
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While hearing petitions from all sides on Friday, state government, in its submission mentioned that "re probably is possible manner to relax ban over celebrations".
High Court, however, did request state government "to search for a manner that would probably favor artisans and craftspersons, who may have to face phemenal losses if celebration in state is banned completely.
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Earlier, government had banned any installation and worship of idols in public places, in order to keep pandemic at bay.
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BJP threatens, says "will defy orders"
Earlier, when AIADMK had decided to ban any kind of processions during festival, BJP unit of state had criticised same.
" state government had banned celebrations of a festival important to people of Hindu faith, whereas Karnataka and Maharashtra, which have more cases have allowed same," alleged Tamil Nadu BJP.
How have or states been observing festival?
In state of Maharashtra, which presently has highest number of active cases in nation, Ajit Pawar, deputy CM has requested people to celebrate festival in a small scale and observe all rules of social distancing at all times.
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In national capital, CM Arvind Kejriwal has banned any kind of pandals within city. Immersion of idols, in river Yamuna, or any or public water body shall be completely banned, and any defaulter shall have to pay a fine of Rs 50,000.
In state of Goa, government had decided to issue a code of procedures to celebrate festival. People have been forbidden to organise celebrations of any kind of public processions and maintaining social distancing at all times.
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In state of Telangana, minister of Endowments, A Indrakaran Reddy, has requested commonfolk to celebrate any festival, while keeping in mind rms of social distancing.
(With Inputs From ANI and PTI)
21:46 IST, August 22nd 2020