Bombay High Court Denies Permission for Chhath Puja at Girgaum Chowpatty

The Bombay High Court has refused to grant urgent interim relief to an organisation seeking permission to perform Chhath Puja rituals at Girgaum Chowpatty in South Mumbai. The court rejected the plea for the celebrations scheduled for November 15 and 16. A vacation bench comprising Justice Advait M Sethna and Justice Ranjitsinha Raja Bhonsale heard the petition filed by the Mithila Chhath Puja Sangh. The court noted that the local police had previously rejected the organisation's request to hold the event at the <b>public beach</b>. The bench observed that while Article 25 of the Constitution guarantees <b>freedom of religion</b>, it remains subject to public order, morality, and health. The judges emphasized that constitutional rights include necessary checks and balances to maintain public safety and order.