Mumbai's Lalbaugcha Raja mandal contests SHRC devotee complaint

Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal has asked the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) to reject a complaint over the alleged treatment of devotees, arguing that it does not identify a specific human-rights violation by a public servant.

In written submissions filed through advocate D.A. Nalawade, the mandal cited provisions of the Protection of Human Rights Act. It argued that the Commission may examine alleged human-rights violations, or negligence in preventing them, by a public servant. It also argued that an inquiry must concern an alleged act within one year.

Mumbai advocates Ashish Rai and Pankajkumar Mishra filed the complaint last year after a video purportedly showing devotees being mishandled circulated online. The complaint sought state control over the administration and management of the annual Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesh festival, citing concerns about crowd management, alleged assault, alleged volunteer misconduct and alleged thefts.

Rai said the complaint also raised allegations of misconduct and indecent behaviour by volunteers towards devotees, particularly women. The mandal has argued that the complaint must identify either a dated incident or a recognisable pattern of alleged violations linked to a public servant.

The SHRC is scheduled to hear the matter again on October 6.