How is dahi handi adventure sport? Bombay High Court questions govt

The Bombay High Court on Monday asked the state government to explain how human pyramid formations during 'dahi handi' can be termed as an adventure sport and whether minors can be allowed to climb up to break the earthen pot.

"We are aware of what is going on. Is 'dahi handi' an adventure sport?" a division bench of Justice RM Sawant and Justice Sadhana Jadhav said. The observation was made after the court went through a Government Resolution issued in 2015, stating that it is an adventure sport and minor children are allowed, if they provide an approval from their parents.

The Bench questioned the government move by saying, "Is this not a way to allow minors participate in 'dahi handi', thereby bypassing the High Court/Supreme Court order."

In 2014, the Bombay HC had restricted the height of 'dahi handi' to 20 feet. It had, while passing the order, later confirmed by the apex court, said, "Every year, couple of people die and several are injured. This needs to be regulated. Ultimately, it is a festival but now it has become commercial. Unless there are statutory regulations, the height will not be controlled. We hope some Govindas' (minors who break the pot) lives are saved this year."

This year 'dahi handi' is to be celebrated on August 15. The government must clarify the queries raised by the HC by August 4. The court has also asked the petitioner Swati Patil through her advocate Nitesh Nevshe to submit the HC and the SC, which limited the height of human pyramid to 20 feet.

The direction was given while hearing a contempt petition filed by Patil against former State Chief Secretary, Swadheen Kshatriya, for not taking steps to implement the HC order and allowing human pyramids over 20 feet.

Recently, a former Bharatiya Janata Party Youth Wing President Ganesh Pandey had tendered unconditional apology to the court for organising a handi, in which, the human pyramid was above the permissible limit.