The Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that the height of human pyramids during the upcoming Dahi Handi festival in Maharashtra cannot exceed 20 feet and barred children below 18 years from participating in it. The state government had moved the apex court on August 3 on the Bombay High Court's directions.

Earlier, secretary of a non-governmental organisation, Utkarsh Mahila Samajik Sansthaa, Swati Patil had filed a petition with the High Court, alleging that the Maharashtra government and other administrations were not following the High Court's orders on the height of human pyramids. During the hearing, the court then asked the state government to approach the Supreme Court to get a clarification on the issue.

Two years ago, the Bombay High Court ordered that the height of human pyramids should not exceed 20 feet and children below 18 years should not be allowed to participate in the human pyramids in the Dahi Handi festival.