Bombay High Court refuses stage permission for Chhath Puja at Girgaon Chowpatty

MUMBAI The Bombay High Court on Monday (November 9, 2026) refused Mithila Chhath Puja Sangh permission to construct a stage at Girgaon Chowpatty for Chhath Puja. A Bench of Justices Advait Sethna and Ranjitsinha Bhonsale held that Article 25 places freedom of conscience and freedom to profess, practise and propagate religion within order, morality and health. The Bench said checks and balances under the Constitution must be followed. The court heard the plea during vacation.

The Sangh sought permission for two days to construct a stage at the beach for the festival. The police in September denied permission. The police cited an order of the High Court from 1998. The order, a document from proceedings in 1998, said Girgaon Chowpatty would host Ganeshotsav, Navratri Utsav, Ramlila, Krishnalila and Christmas, and no programme beyond those.

The order set up a Monitoring Committee. The order made the Committee a party in any plea seeking permission for celebrations at Chowpatty areas in Mumbai.