Can we use thermocol decorations during Ganpati festival? HC to decide today

The Bombay High Court will today decide if the decoration material made of thermocol can be used in the forthcoming Ganesh festival, in Maharashtra. This comes after an association of thermocol manufacturers moved HC seeking a relaxation of the blanket ban on the use of plastic and thermocol items in the state. A division bench of Justices Abhay Oka and Riyaz Chagla said it will pass an order in the matter this morning.

The bench was petitioned by the manufacturers’ association claiming they will suffer huge financial loss, if the decoration material made of thermocol, is not sold to devotees. The association has accordingly sought a relaxation of the plastic ban.

Along with the petition filed through advocate Milind Parab, the association has also submitted an undertaking stating they will themselves dispose of the material. “We have undertaken to dispose of the thermocol material. We have categorically said that this burden would not be imposed on the corporations across the state,” Parab told Free Press Journal.

Meanwhile, the government has vehemently opposed the pleas moved by the association. The government counsel submitted that the association was aware that the last day to dispose of the banned items was June 23.

“It was a common knowledge that the ban would come into effect from June 23. Even, this very bench had passed a detailed order refusing to stay the ban. This very bench had asked the government to not take action against citizens and manufacturers till three months i.e. June 23,” the government’s counsel argued.

“Despite all this, the association did not dispose of their material and instead kept it as it is. And now they have moved the bench seeking relaxation,” the counsel added.

Having heard the submissions, the bench posted the matter for passing orders of Friday morning.

The bench of Justices Abhay Oka and Riyaz Chagla was petitioned by the manufacturers’ association claiming they will suffer huge financial loss, if the decoration material made of thermocol, is not sold to devotees. The association has accordingly sought a relaxation of the plastic ban.