Bombay High Court Permits Offering Of Flowers At Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Says They Should Be Purchased From Farmers & Sold At Reasonable Rates

The Bombay High Court allowed the resumption of flower offerings at the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, provided the flowers are purchased directly from farmers and sold at reasonable rates. The court directed that no middlemen should be involved, and the Credit Co-operative Society of the Employees of the Sansthan should handle the transactions. The court emphasized that flowers should be made available to devotees at reasonable prices within the temple premises, with rate cards displayed to prevent extortion. The court also mandated that the Municipal Council and police ensure no unauthorized flower vendors operate. The decision followed complaints of exorbitant flower prices and extortion by unauthorized vendors, which led to the suspension of the practice during the pandemic. The court’s order aims to protect devotees from exploitation while supporting farmers by ensuring fair prices for their produce.