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Bombay high court bans under-18 govindas from dahi handi

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High court has issued strict instructions to mandals to ensure the safety of Govindas
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The Bombay high court on Monday directed the state government to issue a fresh circular banning govindas under the age of 18 from participating in the formation of human pyramids during the Dahi Handi festival, as well restricting the height of the pyramids to 20 feet. The HC was hearing various public interest litigations including one by Chembur-based social worker Swati Patil, who is the secretary of NGO Utkarsh Mahila Samajik Sanstha.

Instructions to the state
A division bench of Justices VM Kanade and PD Kode asked the state to issue the circular by today.
"Considering that the performance of dahi handi is on August 18, the government is directed to, preferably, issue the circular by tomorrow (August 12) and give it wide publicity," observed the bench. The government has been directed to amend certain sections of the Bombay Police Act and the Maharashtra Police Act which define "dangerous activities" to include higher human pyramids which would then invite penal action. The amendment to the Acts will take time. "If not this time, at least it should be implemented next time," said the bench.

Think about their safety, HC appeals to organisers
"We make an appeal to the organisers of dahi handi to take into consideration the health and safety of the govindas rather than going after the money offered by various organisations," said the bench.
"We are of the view that such performances can neither be termed as acts of bravery not justified nor any other reason," it added.

What rules must organisers follow?
The organisers have been directed to inform the local authorities at least 15 days in advance about the exact venue of the celebration and hours during which the dahi handi will be performed. The organisers have to give undertaking that they will make available immediate medical help, like ambulances with first aid and infrastructure necessary to treat injured govindas and moving them to a nearby hospital.
Organisers must provide helmets, safety belts to govindas and cushion layers at the venue of the performance.

What rules must mandals follow?
Mandals have been asked to provide names, addresses, photographs and age proof of govindas. In addition, consent letters of voluntary participation of each govinda has to be submitted by the mandals.
The mandals have been directed to draw the insurance policy of each govinda participating and a copy of the same has to be submitted to the competent authority. "The charity commissioner has the power to restrict the use of the money collected and issue necessary directions," observed the judges.

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