Pune: Vidyanand Bapat Gets 48-Hour Legal Notice Over Remarks On Lord Ganesha & Hindu Beliefs

Pune authorities have issued a 48-hour legal notice to social activist Vidyanand Bapat over remarks he made regarding Lord Ganesha, Ganeshotsav, and Hindu religious beliefs. The notice, issued by Bombay High Court advocate Pradeep Naik, demands Bapat provide a written explanation and an unconditional apology to Hindu devotees within the given time frame. Failure to comply could result in criminal and other legal action.

The controversy stems from Bapat's opposition to high-volume DJ systems during Pune's Ganesh festival, a stance that has gained significant attention on social media. Naik does not oppose the right to express opinions on noise pollution, loudspeakers, processions, or public festivals, but he has objected to Bapat's comments that allegedly insult religious beliefs and revered deities.

Bapat has been vocal about his concerns over noise pollution and the impact of loud celebrations on residents. His campaign against DJs during Ganeshotsav has been met with opposition from Ganesh mandals, religious organizations, DJs, and dhol-tasha groups. The legal notice now adds a religious-sentiment angle to the ongoing debate.

This development follows an alleged assault on Bapat in Pune while he was speaking about the noise issue, which took place on September 3 on Tilak Road. Police arrested a man named Santosh Chavan in connection with the incident and provided security to Bapat. Earlier, Bapat faced opposition during a Pune Municipal Corporation meeting over his stance against DJs during Ganeshotsav, where he was escorted out by civic security personnel.