After a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bombay High Court’s Aurangabad bench has given the green light for the resumption of flower and garland offerings at the Shree Saibaba Sansthan in Shirdi. This decision, stemming from the case [Shri Saibaba Sansthan Shirdi v. State of Maharashtra], was made by a bench comprising Justices Mangesh Patil and Shailesh Brahme, following careful consideration of the sanitation and operational plans presented by the temple’s management.
The practice of offering flowers was suspended in 2020 as a preventive measure against the spread of COVID-19 and to address ongoing issues related to cleanliness and waste management. The recent judicial approval was based on a proposal from the Sansthan’s ad hoc committee, which included measures for selling flowers through a credit co-operative society run by temple employees and offering them at reasonable prices within the temple premises.
Advocate Anil S Bajaj, representing the Sansthan, argued for a sustainable approach to managing floral waste. He highlighted previous collaborations with a self-help group that converted used flowers into incense sticks, suggesting that a similar initiative could be re-established.
However, the court expressed some concerns regarding the disposal strategy proposed, particularly the feasibility of e-auctioning or e-tendering used flowers for incense production. “If such used flowers and garlands are to be e-auctioned or disposed of by e-tender, one wonders how there could be a stipulation for their use in manufacturing agarbatties,” the judges remarked, indicating a need for more clarity and efficiency in waste management.
The resumption of flower offerings also raised concerns among other stakeholders. Advocate PS Talekar, representing an intervenor, voiced worries that it might lead to harassment of devotees and the resurgence of unauthorized flower vending activities. Similarly, Government Pleader AB Girase cautioned about potential exploitation by vendors and hygiene issues.
Despite these concerns, the court prioritized the cultural and religious significance of the offerings, instructing the ad hoc committee to develop a comprehensive waste disposal plan and ensure strict regulation of flower vendors.
