Bombay High Court Refuses Chhath Puja Stage at Girgaon Chowpatty

On 9 November 2026, the Bombay High Court refused the Mithila Chhath Puja Sangh’s request to build a stage at Girgaon Chowpatty in Mumbai for two days of Chhath Puja. The plea was heard by Justices Advait Sethna and Ranjitsinha Bhonsale during the court vacation.

1998 order and the Monitoring Committee

Police had denied permission in September, citing a 1998 High Court order. That order listed Ganeshotsav, Navratri Utsav, Ramlila, Krishnalila and Christmas as events permitted at Girgaon Chowpatty, and barred other programmes. It also established a Monitoring Committee and required the Committee to be joined as a party to pleas seeking permission for celebrations at Mumbai’s Chowpatty areas.

The Bench noted that the Sangh had not made the Monitoring Committee a party and had provided no material justifying the omission. The Court declined to direct a site for the event, said it would not pass orders at that stage, and listed the matter for after the court reopened. It said the petitioner could pursue legal remedies.

Article 25 and Chhath Puja

The Bench said Article 25 protects freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practise and propagate religion, subject to public order, morality and health. It said constitutional checks and balances must be followed.

Important Facts for Exams

• Four-day ritual: Chhath Puja rituals span three nights and four days, with arghya offerings made to both the setting and rising Sun.
• Seasonal observances: Chhath is observed as Chaiti Chhath in Chaitra and Kartik Chhath in Kartika, giving it two annual observances.
• Kharna fast: On Chhath’s second day, Kharna, devotees abstain from water and eat jaggery-based kheer with roti in the evening.