In a significant administrative move to maintain law, order, and communal harmony during festive seasons, the Mumbai Police has prohibited the capturing and broadcasting of photographs and videos of floating or partially submerged Durga idols during the immersion period. This precautionary directive will remain strictly in enforcement from October 20 to 22. According to police officials, the step has been taken proactively to prevent any hurt to religious sentiments and to preserve public peace across the metropolis.
Rationale Behind the Prohibitory Orders
The order has been promulgated by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Akbar Pathan under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. As per the festival calendar, the immersion of Goddess Durga idols is scheduled across various water bodies, lakes, and beaches in the city between October 20 and 22. During this massive exercise, certain unimmersed or partially sunken idols occasionally drift back to the shores due to water currents, requiring municipal corporation workers to retrieve and process them respectfully.
Authorities noted that sharing visuals or videos of such retrieved or unimmersed idols on social media platforms often triggers misconceptions, viral panic, or unwarranted outrage. Such content poses a direct threat to public tranquility and can incite religious sentiments. Consequently, the police have enforced these stringent restrictions to curb the circulation of sensitive media during the crucial immersion window.
Broader Push for Eco-Friendly and Respectful Disposal
This development mirrors evolving administrative guidelines across major Indian cities regarding religious disposals. Recently, authorities in other metropolitan regions, including Delhi, have also restricted the random dumping of ritualistic items and idols in open public spaces, establishing dedicated collection kiosks for eco-friendly recycling. Mumbai Police's latest mandate aligns with this broader ethos of balancing religious devotion with public safety and civic order.
'The Freelance' does not independently verify the claims made in viral social media videos mentioned in this report. This matter remains a subject of widespread public discussion. Video Credit: Respective Social Media Handles / Creators.
National Desk, The Freelance
Verified Editorial DeskPolitics, Governance & Public Interest Reporting Team
The Freelance National Desk provides round-the-clock, verified, and in-depth analytical reporting on Indian politics, governance, policy decisions, parliamentary affairs, and public interest matters. We are committed to unbiased, factual journalism based on verified agencies, official statements, and on-the-ground correspondents.