Chennai: Tamilnadu government today said that it is not possible to give relaxations to place Lord Vinayagar idols and carry out processions as part of Ganesh Chathurthi celebrations.
The State government submitted its response in the Madras High Court today. Following this, the Court said that individuals can immerse the Vinayagar idols kept at their homes in nearby waterbodies.
“Vinayagar statues can be immersed in all waterbodies except the Marina beach,” the court said.
The Madras High Court yesterday asked the State government whether it is possible to give relaxations to conduct Vinayagar Chathurthi celebrations.
The court observed that the festival is being celebrated for several years. It had asked the government to respond today morning.
The order was issued based on a petition filed by L Ganapathy who sought permission to install Vinayagar statues and to carry out procession to immerse the idols.
Days after banning installation of idols on streets and roads in view of Covid-19 pandemic, Tamilnadu government yesterday asked people to celebrate Vinayagar Chaturthi from their residences.
A circular on this regard was issued Thursday morning. It requested the people to cooperate with the government in the fight against coronavirus.
It may be noted that while hearing two PILs filed to take legal action against Hindu Munnani office bearers for violating lockdown norms to celebrate Vinayagar Chathurthi, the division bench of Madras High Court headed by Justice MM Sundaresh said that the State government would handle the law and order.
It said that the Tamilnadu government can take necessary steps to ensure that the guidelines are followed.