‘Fancy’, ‘Distorted’ Ganesh Idols: Orissa HC Refuses To Intervene

Cuttack: The Orissa High Court (HC) on Monday refused to intervene in the matter over “fancy” and “distorted” Ganesh idols prepared by artisans of Kumbhar Sahi in Cuttack.

The HC directed the police and administration to take an appropriate decision in this regard.

Days before Ganesh Puja, a row has erupted over some of the idols prepared by artisans of Kumbhar Sahi.

After complaints that the idols have not been prepared in the traditional manner but look “distorted”, artisans of Kumbhar Sahi alleged they were called by Puri Ghat police to the police station, where they were warned, asked to remove the “distorted” idols and made to give an undertaking.

Following this, an artisan, Narayan Muduli, filed a petition in the HC.

The artisans, whose business was hit hard during COVID-19, said they will suffer huge losses if they are not allowed to sell the idols and have to demolish them. They urged the HC that they should be allowed to sell the idols.