High Court Dismisses Urgent Petition for Chhath Puja at Girgaon's Chowpatty

The Bombay High Court on Thursday rejected an urgent petition filed by the Mithila Chhath Puja Sangh seeking permission to conduct Chhath Puja on November 15‑16 at Girgaon's Chowpatty. The petition challenged a denial issued by DB Marg Police Station, which had objected to the proposal of installing a temporary platform and associated arrangements on the seafront.

Justice Advait M. Sethna and Justice Ranjit Singh Raja Bhosle, sitting on a vacation bench, observed that constitutional freedom of religion is not limitless. Citing Article 25, they underscored that religious activities must be compatible with public order, health and moral considerations.

The court held that when a religious celebration poses a risk to public tranquility, authorities may impose restrictions. Consequently, the bench refused to interfere with the police decision and dismissed the petition, effectively blocking the planned Chhath festivities at the beach.