HEIGHT OF DEFIANCE The S.C ruled that human periods or Dahi Handi should not exceed 20 feet and youngster below 18 years should not participate One is bound to obey the order of the highest court and not defy it in contempt, but should take recourse to legal procedure to challenge it. The NCP. MNS have gone on record that it is a religious custom spread of hundreds of years mostly in the state of Maharashtra and the sentiments , customs, traditions of the people should be respected . Will the rule of courts define every activity of the people.The Dahi Handi pyramids exceeded 40 ft. double the limit set by the S.C and is gross defiance of the order of the highest court of the land. It is not clear as to who went to the S,C, or whether it is a suo muto decision, showing concerns for safety and welfare of the participants. Have the parents of the vulnerable youngsters complained about the safety of their wards and held the organizers responsible for the casualties in the past ? How many casualties have been reported so far.? Have the organizers turned a blind eye to any of such tragic incidents in the past by refusing to attend to those caught in severe accidents of fall with broken limbs, or partial paralysis?. The organizers ,mostly politicians organize, promote, patronize such events with an eye to cash on popular sentiments as future investments in votes., The way the protesters wore printed attire, black flags demonstrations, shows that money has gone into making this event a defiance of S.C. order attempting to regulate the heights with reasonable restrictions of safety standards. The arguments that all sports,a part from highly risky, adventure sports are not free from freak accidents in spite of all precautionary measures. Is Dahi Handi a sport, entertainment with a label of religious tradition or custom in which S.C court could have abstained is another matter. One wonders what steps will be taken against the organizers by the law enforcing agencies showing defiance and contempt for S.C directives .Respect for the law is highest duty of the citizens, even if they disagree Nelson Lopes Chinchinim
