Contempt petition filed against govt over Dahi Handi violation

Mumbai: A petition has been filed in the Bombay high court against the state government for failing to comply its own affidavit pertaining to safety of Govindas while celebrating Dahi handi festival. The petition alleged that during recent Dahi Handi festival, rules framed by the state government for safety of Govindas were seen violated.

Petitioner Swati Patil, the main petitioner who had earlier filed a petition in the Bombay HC, has again filed a contempt petition on Thursday. Last year, the state government through its deputy secretary had assured HC that it will take all precautions to protect Govindas during the festival. The affidavit stated that thick mats should be laid on the floor,  Govindas should wear helmets and safety belts. Ambulances will be equipped with life support system and doctors at the place of big Dahi Handis. Also all Govindas must be insured by the organisers. After the assurance from the state the court on August 7, 2017 removed height limit on Dahi Handi and directed that children below the age of 14 will not be allowed to participate.

Patil has annexed various newspaper reports to her petition alleging violations. She stated that many small children who were below the age of 14 had participated at Thane and many organisers had failed to provided safety belts and helmets.

In the year 2014, HC had banned human pyramid more than 4 tier or 20 feet. After that state government had moved Supreme Court but for three years it didn’t pass any order and last year sent it again to the Bombay high court.