Bombay High Court bans firecrackers and loud music during festivals in Maharashtra

The Bombay High Court on September 22 issued directions to ban firecrackers and loud music during public celebrations across Maharashtra. A bench of Justices G.S. Kulkarni and Dr Neela Gokhale took suo motu cognisance of noise and environmental pollution caused by these practices during festivals.

The court expressed serious concern over air and noise pollution generated by firecrackers and high-decibel sound systems in public spaces, noting they exceed prescribed limits and pose hazards. The bench observed that festival celebrations must become more "dignified" and "civilised" in line with contemporary standards.

The court specifically directed a complete ban on loud music through high-watt speakers, sound systems, loudspeakers, dhol tashas, and cylinders in densely populated cities including Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and Nashik, where citizens suffer from brazen regulatory violations.