# Bombay High Court Directs Maharashtra Government to Consider Designated Timings for Bursting Firecrackers During Diwali

> The Bombay High Court has asked the Maharashtra government and civic agencies to examine fixing specific time windows for bursting firecrackers during Diwali in light of Supreme Court pollution directives.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Maharashtra · **Published:** 2026-11-04 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/maharashtra/divali-para-maharashtra-men-patakhe-chalane-ke-lie-samaya-sima-taya-karane-para-vichara-kare-sarakara-bombay-high-court-56563 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Bombay High Court, Firecrackers, Diwali, MPCB, BMC, Dia Mirza, Supreme Court, Air Pollution

To curb the severe environmental degradation and public health risks triggered by festival festivities, the Bombay High Court has asked the Maharashtra government to evaluate establishing fixed hours for bursting firecrackers during Diwali. The court emphasized that the state administration should consider aligning its policies with the directives previously laid down by the Supreme Court. The bench observed that unchecked fireworks cause sharp spikes in both air and noise pollution, which directly threaten the physical well-being of residents across the state.

## Civic Bodies and Law Enforcement Urged to Act
The High Court pointed out that curbing festival-related pollution requires coordinated action not just from policymakers, but also from executive and regulatory agencies. The court instructed the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and state police authorities to thoroughly examine the Supreme Court's guidelines. The bench highlighted the necessity of instituting clear operational windows for fireworks, ensuring that public celebrations do not spiral into an unchecked environmental hazard.

## Reference to the Supreme Court's October 29 Order
During the proceedings, the bench drew attention to the binding guidelines issued by the Supreme Court on October 29. Those directions were framed specifically to address the alarming deterioration of air quality in the Delhi-NCR belt during the festive calendar. The apex court had underlined the strict enforcement of designated bursting hours. Taking note of those measures, the Bombay High Court indicated that Maharashtra must also consider adopting an equally rigorous framework to protect urban air quality.

## Case Stemmed from BMC Action on Dia Mirza Video
The judicial scrutiny originated when the Bombay High Court took suo motu cognizance of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation removing a Diwali public awareness video featuring actor Dia Mirza. While delving into the circumstances surrounding the civic body's action, the court expanded its inquiry into the wider systemic challenges posed by firecracker usage and environmental safeguards. Following the detailed hearing, the bench delivered a comprehensive 13-page order setting out its directions.

## The Supreme Court Guidelines for Delhi-NCR
Under the framework approved by the Supreme Court for Delhi-NCR, residents are permitted to burst green firecrackers on November 7 and November 8 within restricted time slots. The apex court permitted a total of three hours across two daily slots: one hour in the morning from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM, and a two-hour evening window from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The Bombay High Court has asked Maharashtra authorities to take note of this structured schedule while deliberating festive regulations for the state.

## What this means for you
If Maharashtra adopts the court's recommendations, residents will face regulated hours and tighter oversight for bursting firecrackers during Diwali.

- **In Maharashtra:** Citizens may be restricted to designated time slots for bursting firecrackers during Diwali celebrations. Local authorities, including the BMC and police, would enforce compliance and monitor ambient noise and smoke levels.
- **Across India:** The move reflects a growing judicial trend following the Delhi-NCR framework, prompting other state authorities to formalize firecracker limits. This reinforces the broader shift toward green firecrackers and fixed festive schedules nationwide.
- **Health and Environment:** Capping bursting hours can prevent prolonged stagnation of toxic particulate matter and loud decibels. Vulnerable groups, such as children, senior citizens, and asthma patients, stand to benefit from reduced smoke density.
- **Civic Preparedness:** Agencies like the MPCB, municipal bodies, and law enforcement will need to establish clear public advisories before the festivities begin. Field enforcement will determine how effectively air and noise levels are contained.

## Why this happened
The High Court acted after taking suo motu notice of the BMC pulling down an awareness video featuring Dia Mirza, expanding the matter to address worsening festival pollution.

- **Direct Trigger:** The BMC removed a Diwali awareness campaign video featuring actor Dia Mirza, prompting the Bombay High Court to take suo motu cognizance. While reviewing the civic body's action, the bench issued a detailed 13-page order addressing fireworks regulation and public health.
- **Precedent and Apex Court Ruling:** On October 29, the Supreme Court restricted fireworks in Delhi-NCR to green crackers within specific slots on November 7 and 8 (6:00 to 7:00 AM and 8:00 to 10:00 PM). The Bombay High Court observed that Maharashtra authorities should seriously evaluate similar restrictions to contain dangerous spikes in air and noise pollution.
- **What Follows:** The state government, MPCB, BMC, and police departments must now examine the Supreme Court's orders and decide whether to formalize time windows for the festival.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. What did the Bombay High Court ask the Maharashtra government to do?
The court directed the state government to consider fixing designated hours for bursting firecrackers during Diwali and evaluating Supreme Court directives.

### 2. Which authorities have been asked to review the guidelines?
The bench instructed the state government, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and police authorities to consider the measures.

### 3. What schedule did the Supreme Court approve for Delhi-NCR?
The apex court permitted green firecrackers on November 7 and 8 from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM and from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

### 4. How did the matter reach the Bombay High Court?
The court took suo motu cognizance after the BMC took down a Diwali awareness campaign video featuring actor Dia Mirza, eventually leading to a 13-page order.

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