Telangana HC expresses displeasure over last-minute petition on idol immersion ban

HC dismisses plea seeking immersion of Ganesh idols in Hussain Sagar

Court says can't allow immersion in wake of NGT, SC orders

The Telangana High Court on Tuesday expressed displeasure over a last-minute petition challenging the ban on Ganesh idol immersion in Hussainsagar. The court dismissed the plea, saying it could not allow immersion in view of orders from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Hima Kohli and Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy was hearing a petition filed by the Ganesh Utsav Samithi, seeking permission to immerse Ganesh idols in Hussain Sagar.

The bench observed that the NGT and the Supreme Court had already passed orders banning the immersion of idols in Hussain Sagar due to its fragile ecosystem. The court said it could not go against these orders.

• The court also noted that the state government had made alternative arrangements for idol immersion at designated places.
• The bench urged the petitioners to cooperate with the authorities and immerse the idols at the designated places.

The Ganesh Utsav Samithi had earlier approached the court seeking permission to immerse idols in Hussain Sagar, arguing that it was a tradition. However, the court refused to grant permission.

The NGT had in 2016 banned the immersion of idols in Hussain Sagar, citing concerns about water pollution. The Supreme Court had upheld the NGT order in 2017.