Ganesh Chathurthi: Collecting money without permission will land you in jail, here are dos and don'ts
If any individual or group is found to be collecting money illegally, they can be jailed for three years along with a fine of Rs 3,000 slapped on them.
With festival season, various groups knock the doors of people and officers seeking donations. With one of the major festivals, Ganesh Chaturthi around the corner, the number of people demanding donations has also increased. But if you do not have permission to do so, this action can land you in jail.
Forcing anyone to give donations is illegal. Thus, any group wanting to collect donations must obtain prior permission from the cops in their limits. If any individual or group is found to be collecting money illegally, they can be jailed for three years along with a fine of Rs 3,000 slapped on them.
Various other rules have also been set by the Palike (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike- BBMP) to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi.
Accordingly, only zinc-free idols can be used during the festival. Idols made of plaster of paris or paper mould should not be used.
The groups taking the idols for immersion also should follow certain set of rules. Permission from the police department is not only needed to collect money, but also to take out a procession (route of the procession) and immersion (location) of idols.
Putting up tarpaulins or any kind of stage on the road is prohibited. If the idol has to be kept in a public place, prior permission from the Corporation limits is necessary. Groups should get a green signal from the CESC power utility company to install sound boxes and play loud music during the event set in a public place.
All entertainment-cultural programmes must not be stretched after 10 pm. Sale of lottery, or organising any competition with prizes are also prohibited.