HC declines bars on Dahi Handi height

However, a division bench of Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice M.S. Karnik accepted the Maharashtra government’s statement before the court that children below 14 years of age would not be permitted to take part as ‘Govindas’, those who form the human pyramids to break the Dahi Handis.

Declining to encroach on the legislative domain, the judges said it was for the state government to ect suitable legislation in respect of height or age restrictions for the Dahi Handi celebrations.

The court was hearing two crucial public interest litigations filed by some NGOs who expressed concerns over the safety of young children who form human pyramids and participate in the Dahi Handi celebrations.

Three years ago, in August 2014, the High Court had directed the government to ensure that the height of human pyramids was restricted to 20 feet or four tiers, and the minimum age of ‘Govindas’ was 18. It also sought stringent security conditions for the participants. The state government moved the Supreme Court seeking relaxation of these conditions, but in August 2016 the apex court upheld the High Court order and refused to grant any relief. (IANS)