Mandal shells out Rs1 lakh for violating Shivaji Park norms

The iconic Shivaji Park, known for loud and boisterous celebrations during Ganesh immersions, saw a turn of events on Friday, when for the first time a Ganesh mandal was levied an exorbitant fine of Rs1 lakh and was produced in the additional chief metropolitan court in Dadar (East), better known as Bhoiwada court.

According to the Shivaji Park police officials, the members of the Bhavani Mitra Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandal from Saath Rasta, Dadar, were given several warnings against playing musical instruments while passing through the silence zone. Despite this, the mandal continued to play several musical instruments. Officials from the Shivaji Park police station then confiscated all their musical instruments and levied a fine amounting to Rs1 lakh on the mandal.

The commissioner’s office had already issued a CRPC 149 notice to all Ganesh mandals about not playing loudspeakers in silence zones.

“The mandal was issued notices under section 15(1) of the Environment Act, which can result in up to  five years of imprisonment. However, they were released on bail,” said inspector Suresh Bhavar who imposed the fine under instruction of deputy commissioner of police Ashwati Dorje.
“If the mandal is caught once again, they will have to pay a penalty of Rs5 lakhs,” he said.