Allahabad HC warns that disposing of non-vegetarian food waste in the Ganga may offend religious sentiments amid iftar party controversy.

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that the act of throwing non-vegetarian food waste into the Ganga river during an iftar party is likely to offend the religious sentiments of the Hindu community. In a recent bail decision concerning five individuals accused of this offense, Justice Rajiv Lochan Shukla recognized the applicants’ remorse and emphasized the importance of maintaining social harmony, particularly given their lack of prior criminal records and the time they had already spent in detention.

The case arose after a complaint was lodged by Rajat Jaiswal, president of the Varanasi chapter of the BJP Yuva Morcha, alleging that the incident during the Muslim community’s iftar violated Hindu sentiments. The applicants, who had been in custody since March 17, 2026, expressed regret for their actions, promising not to repeat such conduct in the future. The court’s observation pointed out that the acts were likely perceived as a direct affront to religious beliefs, necessitating careful judicial consideration.

This ruling followed an earlier decision where a Varanasi sessions court denied bail, citing the potential disruption of social harmony by the accused. The individuals were charged under various legal provisions, including those relating to defilement of a place of worship and outraging religious feelings. The higher court’s granting of bail reflects a nuanced approach towards balancing legal ramifications and the necessity of social cohesion amidst diverse religious beliefs in the region.