Mumbai: Bombay high court on Friday said its interim order that had lifted the ban on making of plaster of Paris (PoP) idols but did not allow their immersion without its leave, will be in force till it gives its final verdict on pleas for and against immersion of such idols in natural water bodies.Justices Ajey Gadkari and Kamal continued the June 9, 2025 interim order while reserving the verdict. HC heard a PIL by two activists and nine clay artisans seeking implementation of Central Pollution Control Board’s May 2020 revised guidelines that ban PoP idols. Petitions against ban were also filed by PoP artisans and even the Akhil Sarvajanik Utsav Samiti Maharashtra, that represents mandals.The PIL petitioners’ advocate said despite HC’s order and the State’s Aug 1, 2025 immersion policy, PoP idols below 6ft were also immersed in natural water bodies. She said the State’s policy was only applicable for festivals till March this year.
