While hearing a petition concerning the ban on firecrackers and rising air pollution levels in the metropolis, the Bombay High Court delivered a sharp critique on October 26. The bench firmly stated that prominent film personalities should not be compensated from the public exchequer for participating in environmental awareness drives. Led by Justice Kulkarni, the bench expressed deep displeasure upon learning that celebrities demand exorbitant fees for such civic initiatives. The court asserted that if personalities are unwilling to participate without financial compensation, officials should refrain from contacting them and public money must not be wasted on them.
The bench observed that these celebrities have derived immense benefits from the city, and if they consider the metropolis their home, they ought to give back to society. Highlighting the contradiction, the bench questioned why stars who readily attend annual police events fail to spare even fifteen minutes for a crucial social cause. The court further suggested that authorities could enlist regional Marathi artists who might be willing to lend their support free of charge whenever required.
During the proceedings, state government counsels informed the bench that certain Bollywood actors had previously used platforms like Instagram to urge citizens against bursting crackers. Responding to this, the court maintained that these figures should similarly step forward for official campaigns without expecting any remuneration. Every celebrity must recognize their corporate and social responsibility and contribute towards the betterment of the urban environment.
On a positive note, the bench appreciated the preventive measures implemented by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board. These initiatives encompass advertisements across newspapers, television, radio, and social media channels, student pledges in schools against cracker usage, and the activation of helpline number 1916 for registering grievances. The court mandated that these awareness drives must not remain a one-day formality but should be conducted continuously. Furthermore, special campaigns were ordered in slum areas with the active cooperation of local corporators and residents.
The bench also drew attention to the alarming practice in several localities where firecrackers are burst until 2 AM, compounding air pollution with severe noise hazards. Authorities were instructed to maintain strict vigilance throughout Diwali and other festive periods, taking strict action against violators. This assertive judicial stance is regarded as a vital reminder regarding the accountability of public machinery and influential figures in safeguarding environmental health.
