Prohibition on capturing, broadcasting visuals of idols after immersion in Pune

Pune City Police issued an executive order on Thursday prohibiting photography, filming and dissemination of visuals of Ganesh idols in water bodies after the immersion rituals. Police have said that such visuals can potentially hurt religious sentiments and disturb public peace.

A press statement issued through the District Information Office (DIO) stated, “An order has been issued prohibiting the photography, filming and dissemination of images or videos of Ganesh idols — whether floating, partially submerged in water bodies including artificial ponds, tanks, natural lakes, rivers, canals and other water bodies after the immersion or of idols collected after the immersion rituals. Such visuals are likely to hurt religious sentiments and disturb public peace, and therefore their publication or broadcast of these visuals including on social media platforms has been strictly prohibited.”

The DIO release stated that this prohibitory order has been issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 by Dr Sandeep Bhajibhakare, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Branch), Pune City under his powers as an Executive Magistrate. BNSS section 163 empowers an officer with magisterial powers to issue orders in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehension of danger.

“Those found violating the order of this order will face punitive action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023.” the release said. BNS section 223 pertains to disobedience to order duly promulgated by a public servant. “This order will be in force within the jurisdiction of the Pune City Police Commissionerate from September 4 to 15,” the release said.