Overview
- The court heard final arguments this week and on Friday urged Maharashtra to consider symbolic immersion for idols over six feet, where only the feet touch water before the idol is taken to collection or recycling centres.
- Judges pressed the Central Pollution Control Board to explain why its 2020 PoP immersion guidelines are presented as merely advisory and asked counsel to re-argue the board’s legal basis.
- Maharashtra asked the court for a two- to three-year phased transition and defended its August 2025 policy that requires idols up to six feet to be immersed in artificial ponds while allowing larger idols in natural waters with post-immersion collection.
- Artisan representatives told the bench they support stopping immersions in natural water but warned that banning PoP manufacture would harm livelihoods and urged protections and time to shift to alternative materials.
- The case will return for further hearings as the court seeks practical implementation details such as collection and recycling systems, consumer education to separate faith from pollution control, and realistic timelines for material changes.