In a significant move, the Supreme Court stayed the order of Bombay High Court putting some restrictions on Dahi Handi celebrations in Maharashtra. The High Court had ruled that children below 18 years of age shall not be allowed to participate in the celebrations on the occasion of Janmashtami. The court had further directed that the height of Dahi Handi pyramid shall not be more than 20 feet.
The apex court bench, headed by Chief Justice of India R M Lodha, in an order removed all the restrictions put by Bombay High Court. Now children above 12 years can participate in the proceedings and the height of the pyramid can also be more than 20 feet. The apex court also said that state authorities should ensure that the festival be allowed subject to the condition that the organisers follow all guidelines containing safety measures, recommended by Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
