Taking a firm stance against environmental degradation during festival periods, the Bombay High Court has directed authorities across Maharashtra to prohibit the bursting of firecrackers on public roads and open community spaces. While placing strict curbs on where fireworks can be set off, the court explicitly refrained from imposing a ban on the manufacturing and sale of firecrackers. Local administrative bodies have been tasked with ensuring that celebrations strictly adhere to the ruling without spilling onto ordinary transit pathways.
Stricter Regulations for DJs, Loudspeakers, and Laser Lights
During proceedings on Thursday, a division bench comprising Justice Girish Kulkarni and Justice Neela Gokhale also addressed broader sources of noise and light pollution. The bench issued explicit directives regulating the operation of DJ setups, loudspeakers, Dolby sound systems, and high-intensity laser lights. Administrative officials were directed to draft an official regulatory framework within one week and enforce its conditions rigorously on the ground.
Balancing Festive Pollution and Workers' Livelihoods
Addressing the socioeconomic impact of a blanket prohibition, the bench noted that countless low-income families depend entirely on the firecracker manufacturing and retail trade for their sustenance. The court explained that preserving these livelihoods was the primary reason it chose not to prohibit commercial operations outright. Instead, administration must demarcate appropriate, designated zones where citizens may safely set off fireworks without endangering general passersby. Furthermore, the court instructed authorities to launch extensive public awareness initiatives championing green crackers and eco-friendly festivities, suggesting that administrators enlist celebrities to amplify the message.
Long-Term Enforcement Beyond the Current Festive Season
The bench highlighted that these administrative measures must not be treated as temporary arrangements confined only to this year's Diwali celebrations. Rather, judicial authorities insisted on a sustained enforcement framework that remains functional across upcoming years and future festivals. Further specifics regarding protocol compliance and punitive steps will emerge once the court releases the full written copy of its order.
Broader Judicial Position on Fireworks Across the Country
The issue of festive emissions previously saw significant deliberation before the Supreme Court as well. In earlier proceedings examining potential nation-wide restrictions, the apex court observed that an absolute, blanket prohibition across the entire country risked hurting community sentiments, leading it to decline an outright ban. However, the apex bench had simultaneously stressed that unrestrained, round-the-clock firecracker usage cannot be permitted either, citing the severe health distress such continuous noise and air contamination inflicts upon senior citizens, patients, and young children.
