Bombay HC extends year-round ban on firecrackers on public roads

Mumbai, Oct 15 (UNI) The Bombay High Court on Thursday clarified that the prohibition on bursting firecrackers on public roads during festivities will apply throughout the year, strengthening restrictions aimed at curbing noise and air pollution during celebrations.

A division bench comprising Justices Girish S Kulkarni and Neela K Gokhale passed the order while hearing a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) concerning excessive noise pollution and the use of firecrackers in public spaces. The development comes ahead of Diwali and follows the court's September directions imposing a blanket ban on bursting firecrackers on public roads during festivals, including Ganeshotsav.

The court's intervention comes amid concerns over the impact of firecracker emissions and high-decibel noise on public health, air quality and road safety. The use of fireworks on roads also poses risks to pedestrians and motorists, particularly during crowded festive processions. During the earlier proceedings, the bench had called for stringent measures to enforce prescribed noise limits and prevent pollution arising from loudspeakers, amplified music systems and firecrackers. It had also directed authorities to curb the use of laser lights and high-intensity light beams during festive celebrations.

The court had emphasised that existing noise pollution regulations could not be relaxed merely because festivals were being celebrated, and called for effective enforcement by the state government and police. The court in its order added that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) shall jointly issue appropriate notices in the news media and on social media platforms stating that the "burning of firecrackers at all public places, namely streets, lanes, and footpaths, shall not be permitted."

The latest order places the focus on year-round enforcement of restrictions on firecracker use on public streets and roads, rather than limiting the prohibition to specific festive periods.

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