Activist wants dahi handi monitors now

Patil has alleged that despite SC directions, the govt failed to constitute ward-level committees to keep tabs on any violations

The Bombay High Court is likely to hear on Wednesday, a plea filed by Swati Patil, the activist who is responsible for the height restrictions imposed by the HC, on the human pyramids during Dahi Handi festival.

It may be recalled that the HC had in 2014 framed guidelines for the formation of human pyramids during Dahi Handi festival, barring the participation of children below 18 years. The court had also limited the height of pyramids up to 20-feet.

Recently, the Apex Court too upheld the guidelines and directed the State Government to implement the same.

However, Patil has alleged that despite the directions from the court, the government failed to constitute ward-level committees to keep tabs on any violations.

Speaking to Free Press Journal, Patil said, “The HC had in 2014 directed the government to set up ward-level committees comprising the local corporator, a police official and a social activist for ensuring that its orders are complied properly.”

“It has been more than two years, the government has not yet formed any Committee which means that there would be no one to monitor the Handis organised at various places in the city,” Patil alleged.

Upon asking, she said, “I know that this plea is at a very short period but I’m hoping that the government makes some arrangements in this light.”

Patil also added that she along with workers from her NGO would be visiting various places in the city where the Handis are arranged. “We will try to keep tabs on whether they (organisers) are following the HC orders,” she said.

Meanwhile, one Jai Jawan Govinda group has approached the Supreme Court challenging the HC’s orders. The Apex court is likely to hear their plea on Wednesday.