Bombay HC to decide Maharashtra plea on 'dahi handi' height

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Bombay High Court to decide on a government plea that challenged its order to put a cap on the age of participants as well as height of 'dahi handis' at Janamashtmi celebrations.

A division bench of Justice Kurian Joseph and Justice R. Banumathi sent the matter back to the High Court and asked the latter to hear it on August 7.

The apex court directed that the Maharashtra plea should be considered afresh while taking note of material furnished by the state government and pass fresh orders.

The government had said that hanging 'dahi handis' (earthern pots filled with curd/butter) many feet above the ground and then forming human pyramids to try to break these is associated with the people's religious sentiments and hence the age cap should be relaxed as several security/precautionary measures have been put in place.

The 'dahi handi' events will be held to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna on August 14 across Maharashtra.

On August 17, 2016, the Supreme Court had directed that the curd pots be hung not more than 20 feet above the ground and Govindas (participants) should be aged 18 years and above.

The apex court had upheld a 2014 High Court order stipulating height restrictions and banning participation of youngsters below the age of 18 in the religious festival.