The Bombay High Court has expressed concern over the slow implementation of its directions banning firecrackers on public streets during festivals, observing that official machinery has failed to comply even with basic preliminary requirements.
A Division Bench of Justice G.S. Kulkarni and Justice Dr. Neela Gokhale directed the Mumbai Police Commissioner to convene a meeting with all police station in-charges and ensure they are informed of the Court’s orders on noise and air pollution caused by firecrackers and unregulated sound systems during processions.
The Court noted that despite its earlier orders dated September 22 and October 15, 2026, authorities had not even issued the required public notices informing citizens that bursting firecrackers on public streets, roads, lanes and footpaths was prohibited.
“The wheels of the official machinery appear to be turning too slowly,” the Bench observed, expressing concern over continued violations of its directions, including the use of sound systems in processions without the requisite licence and the bursting of firecrackers on busy public streets.
The Court directed the police to prepare a standard operating procedure (SOP) specifying the action to be taken against violations. It directed police officers to ensure that processions using sound systems display the appropriate licence and comply with prescribed decibel limits.
The Bench further directed the Mumbai Police Commissioner to file an affidavit confirming that all police station in-charges and relevant personnel had been apprised of the orders and would implement them in letter and spirit.
Warning that non-compliance would be viewed seriously, the Court said police officials could be held accountable for dereliction of duty where inaction adversely affects citizens’ rights under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.
The Court also reiterated its earlier directions imposing a year-round ban on bursting firecrackers during festivities on public streets and a complete restraint on their use in silence zones, including areas near hospitals, courts, schools and government offices.
The Municipal Corporation and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board were directed to publish public awareness notices and disseminate them through social media platforms by October 24, 2026.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on October 26, 2026, at 3 PM.
