The Uttarakhand High Court has stepped in to provide temporary relief to Shri Ganga Sabha Rishikesh. The court allowed the organization to continue managing the famous Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat. This decision came with several important conditions attached.
Court Imposes Strict Conditions
A vacation bench of Justice Ashish Naithani heard an urgent petition from the organization. The petition challenged an order from Rishikesh Nagar Nigam that questioned the group's registration status. The court made it clear that this relief is strictly temporary. It should not be seen as recognition of any permanent rights.
No Exploitation of Pilgrims or Vendors
The High Court issued specific directives to prevent exploitation. Shri Ganga Sabha cannot charge any entry fee or ticket for the ritual. They must not exploit pilgrims and tourists either monetarily or sentimentally.
The court also addressed concerns about local vendors. The petitioner society cannot exploit vendors who sell flowers, lamps, or other ritual articles. This includes any commission, rent, or other charges. Any such arrangements require prior consultation and approval from Rishikesh Nagar Nigam.
Cleanliness and Environmental Protection
Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene at Triveni Ghat became another key condition. The court directed the petitioner to ensure environmental discipline during and after rituals. This obligation includes proper collection and disposal of all materials used in the Aarti.
The order specifically mentions floral offerings, burnt camphor residue, lamps, oil, ghee, and other materials. The court wants to prevent pollution or degradation of the river and ghat premises. The case will now proceed to its next hearing on March 25.
Background of the Dispute
On January 5, Rishikesh Nagar Nigam issued notices to Shri Ganga Sabha. The notices stated that the organization's registration period had expired. According to the municipal body, this meant the group was no longer authorized to manage the Ganga Aarti. The Aarti has been conducted at Triveni Ghat for several years.
Counsel representing Nagar Nigam presented serious allegations during the hearing. They claimed the petitioner's activities were primarily motivated by monetary considerations. The gatherings were allegedly commercially exploited for profit.
The respondent further alleged that the society manages ancillary commercial activities. These include shops catering to pilgrims and visitors. The counsel contended that monetary profit was obtained from these operations. They also argued that the area was not maintained with proper cleanliness and hygiene.
Court's Reasoning for Interim Relief
The High Court observed that tradition alone cannot grant indefeasible rights. The petitioner cannot claim permanent management rights based solely on customary practice. However, the court recognized several important factors in its decision.
Justice Naithani considered the customary nature of the Ganga Aarti ritual. He noted the strong public sentiment attached to this religious practice. The fact that the Aarti has been continuously performed at Triveni Ghat for years also weighed in the decision.
The court expressed concern about sudden discontinuance. Without any alternative caretaker or organizing committee in place, stopping the Aarti would cause disruption. This would lead to unnecessary public inconvenience according to the bench.
It was in this context that the court found merit in the petitioner's plea of urgency. The temporary relief aims to prevent avoidable disruption while the legal matters are properly examined. The court balanced tradition with regulatory concerns in its interim order.
