Mahashtra govt to file review petition over HC Dahi Handi order

Mumbai, Aug 13: The Maharashtra government will file a review petition on Wednesday against the Bombay High Court order to regulate height of human pyramids and ban participation of minors in Dahi Handi celebrations here.

Chief Minister Prithivraj Chavan told reporters that due to insufficient time in formulating rules for implementation of the HC directives, time will be sought for the same.

While Home Minister R R Patil appealed to people to maintain calm while celebrating the festival. "Since it is a religious festival, restrictions can't be imposed," he said.

Patil said Dahi Handi Mandals should ensure children below 12 years should not be used in formation of human pyramids. Expressing concern over the deaths of children every year during the Dahi-handi festival in Maharashtra, the High Court had recently told the government to regulate the height of human pyramids and ban participation of minors in it.

Children are often made a part of pyramid-making team, as they are lighter and thus can easily climb to the top.

The court also asked the state to ensure that the human pyramids, which try and reach the 'handi' (pot) of curd tied high up and break it, do not rise above a certain safe height. This year the festival falls on August 18.

PTI