In a writ petition filed before the Uttarakhand High Court by Shri Ganga Sabha, Rishikesh, a society responsible for management of Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, for quashing an order dated 05-01-2026, passed by Nagar Nigam, Rishikesh, as well as a resolution dated 03-01-2026, a Vacation Bench of Justice Ashish Naithani considered the urgency as well as the larger public interest involved in the matter and allowed the continuance of the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat till appropriate administrative arrangements are made.
Notices were issued to Shri Ganga Sabha, Rishikesh (petitioner society), stating that its registration period had expired and that it was no longer authorised to manage or conduct the Ganga Aarti in accordance with the applicable rules.
The respondents contended that the petitioner society’s activities were primarily motivated by monetary considerations and that it managed ancillary commercial activities, including shops, from which it derived financial benefits. Apart from this, it was also contended that the society did not maintain cleanliness and hygiene, which were required at all times for the sanctity of the river Ganga.
The Court noted that the petitioner society’s registration had expired and that, as a matter of strict legal entitlement, the petitioner could not claim an indefeasible right to continue managing or performing the Ganga Aarti solely on the basis of past practice. Considering the ritual’s customary nature, public sentiment, and the fact that the Ganga Aarti had been continuously performed at Triveni Ghat for several years, suddenly discontinuing it without an alternative would result in avoidable disruption and public inconvenience.
Stating that the continuance of the Ganga Aarti was significant, the Court accepted the plea of urgency raised by the petitioner. It was said that this matter could not be treated as non-urgent, particularly because no alternative arrangement had been put in place. Thus, the Court granted interim relief to the petitioner society and stated that the Ganga Aarti would continue subject to the following conditions for a specified period:
• The petitioner society would not monetarily or sentimentally exploit pilgrims, visitors, or tourists by charging any entry fee, ticket, or consideration for witnessing or participating in the Ganga Aarti.
• The petitioner society would not exploit local vendors connected with the ritual of pooja or Ganga Aarti, whether by way of commission, rent, or otherwise, except with the prior consultation and approval of the respondent Nagar Nigam, Rishikesh.
• The petitioner society would remain duty-bound to maintain cleanliness, hygiene, and environmental discipline at Triveni Ghat during and after the performance of the Ganga Aarti and related rituals.
The matter has now been listed on 25-03-2026.
Appearances:
For Petitioner – Mr. Piyush Garg, Mr. Sagar Kothari
For Respondent – Mr. Lalit Miglani, Mr. C.S. Rawat (Chief Standing Counsel), Mr. Yogesh Chandra Tiwari (Standing Counsel)
