The Bombay High Court has ordered a ban on bursting firecrackers in public places in Mumbai and directed authorities to take action against violations linked to noise and air pollution during religious processions and festivals. The oral directions were issued by a bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale during a hearing on pollution-related issues in the city.
The court also prohibited the use of gas cylinders to amplify sound during processions. It directed that loudspeakers may be used only after obtaining the required permission and displaying the official permit clearly. Loudspeakers used without the required authorisation may not be allowed to operate, and the equipment can be seized, according to the report on the proceedings.
The directions came after the High Court took suo motu cognisance of serious noise and air-pollution concerns associated with religious journeys and public celebrations. During the hearing, the bench questioned the Maharashtra government about the enforcement of existing restrictions and asked whether official orders were being followed on the ground.
The state government told the court that permissions are required for festivals and public events and that action is taken when those permissions are violated. Maharashtra’s Advocate General Milind Sathe, appearing for the state, said Mumbai Police had issued an order restricting gatherings of more than five people without permission between September 9 and September 26. He also said that complete restrictions were already in place on firecrackers and loudspeakers, as reported during the hearing.
The court, however, observed that the restrictions appeared to be effective only on paper, while violations involving firecrackers on roads were visible. It said authorities must take all necessary steps to control sound levels during processions and act against people who breach the directions.
The bench referred to the Pandharpur Wari pilgrimage as an example of a religious journey conducted peacefully without loudspeakers or excessive noise. The court questioned whether the use of loudspeakers and firecrackers was necessary to seek additional blessings, and said that a responsible society should consider preventing such pollution.
The directions are significant for Mumbai’s public spaces, where roads and neighbourhood streets frequently become venues for processions, festival gatherings and temporary sound installations. The immediate responsibility for enforcement will lie with the police and other relevant authorities, which will have to verify permissions, monitor sound levels and respond to violations during the restricted period.
The court said its directions on the use of firecrackers in public places would be issued in a formal written order shortly. Further enforcement details and the precise wording of the restrictions will become clear once that order is released.
