Telangana HC restricts Ganesh pandals, sound, road use

Telangana HC restricts Ganesh pandals, sound, road use

The court emphasized that festivals are an important part of culture and tradition, meant to be celebrated with devotion, joy, and enthusiasm. However, it also firmly stated that such celebrations should not compromise public health, safety, and the rights of ordinary citizens. While acknowledging the significance of religious and social gatherings, the court highlighted the need for balance between faith and responsibility. It made clear that festivities cannot justify inconveniences, risks, or violations that disturb peace, order, and everyday life.

Telangana High Court’s Strict Stand on Ganesh Pandals: Balancing Faith and Public Safety

Hyderabad, August 26: The Telangana High Court on Tuesday issued a set of strict directions concerning the conduct of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Hyderabad and Secunderabad, emphasizing that while festivals are to be celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm, they cannot compromise the safety, health, and rights of ordinary citizens.

The court’s observations came while hearing a petition that shed light on the difficulties faced by residents due to the erection of pandals, noise pollution from loudspeakers and DJs, and road blockages that made it nearly impossible for people to carry on with their day-to-day lives.

The Voice of Citizens

The case was brought before the High Court by Prabhavathi, an 80-year-old woman living in MES Colony in Secunderabad. Alongside her, a pregnant woman and other residents joined the petition, narrating the hardships they faced. They complained that a Ganesh pandal had been set up right in front of their house gate, completely blocking access.

For Prabhavathi, this was not just an inconvenience but a serious threat. Being elderly, she needed easy mobility in case of medical emergencies. Similarly, the pregnant petitioner expressed fear about how she would be taken to the hospital if required, given that her house entrance was obstructed. Despite approaching the local police, they claimed no meaningful action was taken, leaving them with no choice but to knock on the doors of the judiciary.

Their heartfelt plea moved the court, which immediately recognized the gravity of the situation. Justice NV Shravan Kumar observed that such practices, though done in the spirit of festivity, end up causing severe distress, especially to vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, pregnant women, and those requiring urgent medical attention. He questioned how residents could manage emergencies when their gates were entirely blocked by pandals.

Concerns Over Public Safety

The court also highlighted a wider issue — the severe congestion on Hyderabad’s roads during Ganesh festivities.

The festival, known for its grandeur and community participation, has in recent years also become a source of excessive noise and traffic gridlocks. The use of blaring DJs, massive loudspeakers, and pandals set up in narrow lanes or across main roads has created a serious conflict between tradition and civic responsibility.

Court’s Directives

To address these concerns, the High Court issued a comprehensive set of instructions aimed at regulating celebrations without dampening their spirit.

1. Special Help Desks in Police Stations:
   These desks will receive complaints directly from citizens and act promptly against noise pollution, blockades, or any form of nuisance.
2. Strict Pandal Guidelines:
   Organizers must ensure that no pandal obstructs entry or exit points of homes and that public roads remain open for free movement.
3. Nomination of Responsible Person:
   Each pandal must nominate a responsible person who will provide a written undertaking to authorities, committing to follow noise control measures, safety norms, and environmental regulations.
4. Idol Immersion and Cleanliness:
   Reiterating earlier orders, the court made it clear that guidelines for idol immersions and processions must be followed strictly. Once the immersion is complete, it is the responsibility of organizers to remove all waste and debris from the pandal site, ensuring that the locality is restored to its original state. A Call for Balance

While delivering its orders, the court struck a careful balance between faith and civic responsibility. Justice Kumar emphasized that festivals are a time of devotion, joy, and community spirit, but they must not come at the expense of others’ health and peace.

He reminded everyone that celebrations are meaningful only when they respect the rights of fellow citizens. Blocking a road or raising noise levels beyond tolerance not only causes inconvenience but can endanger lives. “Festivals must be celebrated with enthusiasm, but not at the cost of public safety,” the judge reiterated.

Human Impact

For people like Prabhavathi and the pregnant woman in Secunderabad, the court’s intervention came as a huge relief. Their story represents countless others who often silently suffer during such festivals, too afraid to speak up against community pressures. The judgment sends out a strong message that individual rights and safety cannot be overshadowed, even during large-scale religious events.

The Bigger Picture

Yet, unchecked practices have also led to challenges like traffic chaos, noise pollution, and blocked access for emergency services.

The High Court’s proactive stance seeks to ensure that the festival continues to flourish but in a way that is inclusive and safe for all. By mandating accountability and enforcing guidelines, the court hopes to foster a culture of responsible celebration.

Conclusion

The Telangana High Court’s message is clear: devotion and discipline must go hand in hand. Faith cannot be an excuse to ignore civic responsibilities. By listening to the voices of ordinary citizens and addressing their concerns with sensitivity, the court has reminded society that true celebration lies in harmony — where joy, faith, safety, and respect for one another coexist.