Recently, the Bombay High Court took suo motu cognizance of the severe noise and environmental pollution being generated during festivals, particularly through the unregulated use of loudspeakers, amplifiers, and firecrackers on public streets. By an order dated 21-10-2026, a Division Bench of Justice G.S. Kulkarni and Justice Dr. Neela Gokhale expressed concern over the slow implementation of its directions.
In view of the directions passed on 21-10-2026, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), the Municipal Corporation, and the Commissioner of Police placed affidavits before the Court which affirmed the steps taken by them in compliance with the Court’s orders. The steps included newspaper advertisements, public awareness campaigns, display of billboards, and awareness campaigns on radio channels.
The Court noted that the affidavit by MPCB referred to a communication to the Director General of Police on the subject of noise and environmental pollution, in which the Court’s concern that the Pollution Control Board and Police Department shall create a comprehensive mechanism for receiving complaints by providing dedicated telephone numbers and ward-wise email addresses had also been highlighted. Perusing various letters and meetings mentioned about in the affidavit, the Court appreciated the efforts by the Municipal Commissioner as she had affirmed that she was fully sensitive to the issue and that for her, pollution was a serious concern.
Further, the Court appreciated the proactive steps taken by the Commissioner of Police, Municipal Commissioner, and the MPCB within such a short time and stated that the measures introduced by the authorities would surely be a step to improve the environment and help maintain the city’s Ambient Air Quality levels. It was stated that even though the authorities’ awareness campaign and redress mechanism were commendable, such efforts needed to be continuous and sustained to achieve a clean environment. The Court said that “the effect of these efforts today, will result in a better, more breathable tomorrow for lakhs of citizens”.
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Regarding a citizen-friendly complaint mechanism, the AGP submitted that the usual police department complaint numbers, namely 100 and 112 were functional and that immediate action would be taken by police officials on receipt of complaint from citizens. The Municipal Corporation submitted that complaints can be made on the dedicated number 1916 and that such complaints would be forwarded to the police department. The Court stated that a coordination must be established and that those in charge of receiving the complaints on the telephone numbers must be trained and sensitised to effectively handle such complaints during festivities.
Deliberating as to how the noise and air pollution should be controlled in slum areas, constituting more than 50% areas in Mumbai, the Court found it essential for the relevant official machinery to take steps for raising awareness among slum dwellers about the ill effects of burning firecrackers. It was stated that the Court had already observed that it would be imperative to involve the municipal councillors from respective wards for creating a mechanism to contact prominent slum members having effective influence over the slum dwellers. Hence, the Court directed the Municipal Commissioner, MPCB, and the police department to have a meeting with the CEO of the Slum Rehabilitation Authority.
The Court was surprised to note that the authorities found it difficult to involve celebrities in the awareness campaigns as they quote high price for their services. It was said that the Court expected that celebrities such as movie stars or sportsmen would have no qualms about being involved in such a public interest campaign, as the air we breathe and the environment, we enjoy are shared natural resources. While reiterating that the Court did not expect the State government or the local bodies to incur expenditure from the public exchequer, the Court said that “we would expect that celebrities also have a sense of belonging to the city and the state, and expect that they will come forward voluntarily and extend their services to spread environmental awareness in the manner set out in our order.”
Lastly, the Court cautioned the authorities that the steps taken by them need to be a sustained effort and endeavour, until a clean and ambient environment is achieved to be the norm and festivals regain as well as retain their status as celebrations of the human spirit without being detrimental to the human body. The matter was adjourned to 19-11-2026.
