Bombay High Court bars Chhath celebrations at Mumbai's Girgaum Chowpatty

The Bombay High Court has denied permission for Chhath Puja celebrations to take place at Girgaum Chowpatty in central Mumbai during the upcoming festival dates, according to court proceedings released Tuesday.

The court's decision upholds the principle that while citizens enjoy constitutional protections for religious observance, such freedoms are not absolute and must be exercised within the bounds of public order, health and safety requirements. The ruling supports the position earlier taken by Mumbai police, who had withheld approval for organizing activities at the popular beach venue.

Chhath, celebrated primarily by communities from eastern India, is marked by ritual bathing and prayers to the sun god over two consecutive days. The festival has traditionally drawn large congregations to public spaces, raising concerns about crowd management and environmental impact in densely populated urban areas.

The court's judgment aligns with established precedent that regulates large-scale public religious gatherings in the interest of maintaining civic order and protecting public health. The decision does not prevent devotees from observing Chhath through other means or at alternative venues that comply with municipal regulations.

Mumbai authorities have not announced alternative arrangements or designated locations for festival observances during this year's Chhath period.