Supreme Court Allows Full Dhol-Tasha-Zanj Troupes for Ganesh Festival in Pune
The Supreme Court of India has temporarily halted the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) order that limited the number of members in each Dhol-Tasha-Zanj troupe to 30 during the Ganesh idol immersion rituals in Pune. A bench consisting of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra issued notices to the Maharashtra government, Pune authorities, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), and others.
The court emphasized the cultural significance of Dhol-Tasha in Pune, calling it the ‘heart of Pune.’ The NGT had previously directed real-time monitoring of noise pollution around Ganesh pandals and during immersion processions, along with criminal proceedings against violators. The NGT’s order also included restrictions on loudspeakers, metallic high noise-making units, and DJ sets during the Visarjan (immersion) processions.
The counsel for the petitioners argued that the Dhol-Tasha has deep cultural significance in the Ganesh festival for Pune. The Supreme Court bench stated, ‘Let them do their Dhol-Tasha, it’s the heart of Pune,’ and stayed the operation of the NGT’s direction limiting troupe members.
Doubts Revealed
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It makes important decisions about laws and rules in the country.
National Green Tribunal -: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a special court in India that deals with cases related to the environment. It makes sure that people and companies follow environmental laws.
Dhol-Tasha-Zanj -: Dhol, Tasha, and Zanj are traditional Indian musical instruments. They are often played together in groups during festivals and celebrations, especially in Maharashtra.
Ganesh Festival -: The Ganesh Festival, also known as Ganesh Chaturthi, is a big Hindu festival in India. It celebrates the birthday of Lord Ganesha, who is the god of wisdom and good luck.
Ganesh idol immersion -: Ganesh idol immersion is a ritual where the idols of Lord Ganesha are taken to a river or sea and submerged in water. This marks the end of the Ganesh Festival.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud -: Chief Justice DY Chandrachud is a senior judge in the Supreme Court of India. He helps make important legal decisions for the country.
Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra -: Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra are also judges in the Supreme Court of India. They work with the Chief Justice to make decisions on important cases.
Maharashtra government -: The Maharashtra government is the governing body of the state of Maharashtra in India. It makes rules and decisions for the people living in the state.
cultural significance -: Cultural significance means something that is very important to the traditions and way of life of a group of people. In this case, Dhol-Tasha music is very important to the people of Pune.