Pune: Supreme Court Lifts Restriction on Dhol-Tasha Group Sizes for Immersion Processions

Pune, 13th September 2024: The Supreme Court has reversed the decision to limit the number of participants in Dhol-Tasha groups to 30 members during Ganpati immersion processions. While the new ruling places no restrictions on group sizes, many Dhol-Tasha groups have voluntarily decided to limit their numbers, taking into consideration the time required for the procession and concerns about noise pollution.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had initially imposed the restriction, citing growing noise and environmental pollution. However, on Thursday, 12th September, the Supreme Court stayed the NGT’s order, allowing groups to participate in the immersion processions without member limits.

Parag Thakur, President of the Dhol-Tasha Association, expressed relief, saying, “The Dhol-Tasha groups were not consulted when the initial decision was made. This should have been done before imposing such a restriction. We welcome today’s decision and have advised all groups to continue abiding by the usual limits set by the police.”