India, March 26 -- A Thane-based association of idol makers, Shri Ganesh Murtikar Utkarsha Sanstha, has approached the Bombay high court, challenging the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which prohibit the use and immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols. It alleged that the guidelines violated the constitutional rights of the members of the association. The CPCB guidelines banned PoP idols and mandated usage of only biodegradable, eco-friendly materials in idol-making.

The division bench of chief justice Alok Aradhe and justice MS Karnik directed the association to amend its petition and implead the Union of India as a respondent party.

Earlier, on January 30, the court had ordered civic bodies to stric...