HC seeks reply of govt, Shelar to contempt plea on Dahi Handi

The Bombay High Court today gave two weeks time to Maharashtra government and BJP leader Ashish Shelar to file their responses to a contempt petition filed against them for failing to comply with its earlier directions on precautions to be taken during the Dahi Handi festival.
A bench of Justices Abhay Oka and G S Kulkarni was hearing a petition filed by Swati Patil seeking contempt action against Principal Secretary of Home department Swadheen Kshatriya and Ashish Shelar, head of Dahi Handi Samiti set up by the government in February last year.
The Judges asked the government and Shelar to file their replies within two weeks and warned that no further time would be given to them.

The Dahi Handi Samiti was set up by the government following directions from the high court on precautions and restrictions during the Dahi Handi festival.
The high court had, among other directions, asked the government to ensure that Dahi Handi (formation) is restricted to only four layers and the height of pyramids is reduced to prevent people from falling down and getting injured.
In her petition, Patil claimed that the high court's directions were flouted by several pandals across the state and the Samiti and its members failed to comply with the court orders.
The court, while seeking response of the government and Shelar, had earlier remarked "adults can take part in any sport as they have the right to do so. But children are involved here and hence we have to keep their interests in mind.