Baramati City Police have warned that residents could face legal action for bursting crackers on public roads and using DJs, loudspeakers or laser lights without permission during festivals, extending the restrictions beyond Ganeshotsav to celebrations including Diwali, Dussehra and Navratri.
The police advisory follows an order issued by the Bombay High Court on September 22 in Public Interest Litigation No. 1 of 2026. A clarification issued on October 15 stated that the restrictions apply to all festivals and are not limited to a single celebration, according to the police release reported by Lokmat.
Under the noise pollution rules cited in the advisory, sound-producing crackers are prohibited between 10 pm and 6 am. The police said there would be no exemption for bursting crackers on public roads. Residents and organisers have also been asked to exercise particular caution near hospitals, schools, courts and other designated silence zones.
The use of DJs and loudspeakers requires written permission from the competent authority. Although a relaxation until midnight may be available for specially notified festivals, organisers must obtain separate permission to use it. The police have also advised against using laser lights and intense beams during public celebrations.
The restrictions place responsibility on multiple participants in the festival economy. Firecracker sellers must hold valid licences and comply with fire-safety requirements and provisions governing explosive substances. Public festival committees have been asked to ensure that their events do not breach the applicable rules.
The advisory reflects the administrative challenge of regulating festivals in shared urban spaces. Public roads often serve simultaneously as transport routes, pedestrian areas and venues for temporary celebrations. Restrictions on sound, light and firecrackers therefore apply not only to event organisers but also to the way neighbourhoods use and occupy common civic infrastructure.
The police have linked the appeal for quieter and safer celebrations to public health, stating that cracker smoke can contribute to respiratory disorders and other health problems. The advisory urges residents to ensure that their celebrations do not cause health-related difficulties for others.
Baramati City Police said legal action would be taken against violators on the basis of available evidence. Residents can report violations to the Baramati City Police or contact the emergency helpline 112. The police have urged citizens and organisers to follow the applicable permissions, timing and safety requirements during upcoming festivals.
