Karnataka High Court Directs Strict Implementation Of Govt Order Prohibiting Manufacture, Sale & Immersion Of PoP Idols

The Karnataka High Court has directed implementation of the Government order prohibiting the manufacture, sale and immersion of plaster of paris (POP) structures and also directed the district administration, local bodies and police department to cooperate for the enforcement of the said order.

A division bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C M Joshi said “The issue raised is a serious one and we expect that the State Authority shall implement the notification with all seriousness and to its full extent.”

The Government Order dated 10.09.2023, stated that "In view of the above, in order to protect the sea or ocean and other water sources of the State such as rivers, streams, canals, wells within our State jurisdiction from being polluted, the manufacture, sale and disposal of any idols made of plaster of Paris decorated with heavy metal containing chemical paint and any other idols decorated with heavy metal-containing chemical paint and their disposal in any water source mentioned above is hereby completely prohibited throughout the State. All the district administrations, local bodies and police departments of the State shall extend all possible cooperation, partnership and appropriate protection to the officers of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board for the implementation of this order.”

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board had approached the court, contending that there is a serious issue regarding the disposal of idols made of Plaster of Paris [POP], in water bodies. He submits that immersion of such idols, which are painted with hazardous oil-based paints, contains toxic heavy metals, which result in irreversible pollution of water bodies. He contends that the same violates Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

Further, an inspection was conducted in Gudimavu Village, Kumbalagodu Hobli, Bangalore South Taluk, identifying certain manufacturing units, which were carrying on the activities in violation of the order dated 20.07.2016 issued by the petitioner under Section 33(A) of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

On a query made by the court about whether it is the petitioner's case that the State Authorities are not implementing the aforesaid notification dated 10.09.2023. The counsel for the authority submitted that he is not in a position to make a statement that the State authorities are not implementing the directions.

The government advocate informed the court that an FIR has already been lodged against respondent nos. 6 and 7 (manufacturing units) and necessary action in accordance with law would be taken.

Following which the court disposed of the petition saying “We do not consider it apposite to pass any order in this petition as the Government order has already been passed and the same requires to be implemented.”

Appearance: Advocate Mahesh A Chowdhary for Petitioner.

AGA Niloufer Akbar for R1.

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 277

Case Title: Karnataka State Pollution Control Board AND State of Karnataka & Others

Case No: WRIT PETITION NO. 24118 OF 2025

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