Does religion allow breach of high court orders, judge asks

MUMBAI: Questioning whether a religion sanctioned violation of its orders, the Bombay high court on Tuesday dismissed a petition by an organizer to allow it to hold Chhath Puja on Juhu beach.
A vacation division bench of Justice Ramesh Dhanuka and Justice Gautam Patel heard a petition by Mann Ranglo, a cultural organization, challenging denial of permission by the collector (suburbs) to celebrate the event on November 8-9 due to gross violations.
State advocate G W Mattos said the petitioner has consistently flouted conditions imposed by the collector.
"Right from 2008 till last year their security deposit was forfeited. We have tolerated them," he said. Mattos said in 2012 the organizer installed giant TV screens, extended the stage and put up two extra stages for artistes to perform. "On the extended stage, there was a dome and below it on a screen a politician's name flashed," said Mattos, adding that there were banners of sponsors and big arches put up along with hoardings. Seeing the pictures, Justice Patel remarked, "All of this looks entirely political."
The judges said there is absolutely no doubt that the organizer is in breach of the court's order. "Which religion demands violation of this court's order?" asked Justice Patel. The organizer's advocate, Anjani Singh, justified the use of big screens and putting up additional structures saying it is for the benefit and entertainment of more than 5 lakh people who stay up from sunset till sunrise. "We have to provide them …light music programmes the whole night," he said, complaining that the state provides no facility.
Mattos said the police provide public announcement facility while BMC provides water supply and the fire-brigade. He said civic as well as private lifeguards are on standby. When Singh said the collector can demolish illegal structures, Justice Patel retorted,With 5 lakh people there, you expect collector to carry out demolition?''
To the judge's query, Mattos said three organisers are given permission as in 2012 they complied with conditions and their security deposit was refunded. The judge concluded that they do not find any infirmity '' in the collector's order. They said if the organiser wants to celebrate, they can by joining others (on the beach). ''