Court Allows Shri Ganga Sabha to Conduct Ritual with Conditions Amidst Expired Registration
In a significant judgment delivered on January 13, 2026, the Uttarakhand High Court has granted interim relief to Shri Ganga Sabha, Rishikesh, allowing the continuation of the revered Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat. This decision comes in light of public sentiment and the cultural significance of the ritual, despite the expiry of the registration of the petitioner society.
The court, presided over by Justice Ashish Naithani, addressed the urgent plea from Shri Ganga Sabha to quash the impugned orders and resolutions issued by the Nagar Nigam, Rishikesh, which aimed to restrain the petitioner from conducting the Aarti. The petitioner argued that the Ganga Aarti is a deeply rooted cultural and spiritual practice that attracts numerous pilgrims, tourists, and locals, and its abrupt discontinuation would lead to public inconvenience and disruption.
Recognizing the historical and cultural importance of the Ganga Aarti, the court emphasized that the ritual is not confined to any single community but represents a collective cultural expression of the Indian subcontinent. The court noted that the sudden cessation of such a significant public observance without an alternative arrangement could lead to unnecessary chaos and inconvenience.
While granting the interim relief, the court imposed specific conditions to ensure that the ritual is conducted without monetary exploitation and with proper maintenance of cleanliness and hygiene at the ghat. Shri Ganga Sabha is prohibited from charging any fee for the Aarti and must avoid exploiting local vendors. Additionally, the society is required to maintain the cleanliness and environmental discipline at Triveni Ghat during and after the ceremonies.
The decision reflects the court's acknowledgment of the urgency and public interest involved in the matter, considering the ritual's deep-rooted significance in the cultural heritage of the region. The court has scheduled the next hearing for March 25, 2026, to further deliberate on the matter.
Bottom Line:
Interim relief granted to petitioner society for continuation of Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat in public interest, subject to certain conditions, despite expiry of registration.
Statutory provision(s): Article 226 of the Constitution of India, 1950
Shri Ganga Sabha Rishikesh v. Nagar Nigam, Rishikesh, (Uttarakhand) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2839818
