A division bench of Justices Girish S Kulkarni and Neela K Gokhale passed the order on Thursday, October 15, while hearing a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) and other petitions concerning noise pollution and firecracker use in public spaces.
With Navratri celebrations underway and Diwali approaching, the court expressed concern over the harmful effects of firecracker pollution, particularly on children and senior citizens. The judges also observed that authorities needed to ensure better enforcement of existing laws.
The court stated that its earlier order, dated September 22, 2026, would remain applicable throughout the year and to every festival.
The bench directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to jointly issue notices through newspapers, other news media and social media platforms. These notices must clearly state that firecrackers are not permitted in public places, including streets, lanes and footpaths.
Authorities have also been asked to educate citizens about the harmful effects of firecracker pollution and encourage them to avoid crackers that cause excessive noise and air pollution.
The court directed the Maharashtra government, BMC and MPCB to establish a public awareness mechanism within one week. The initiative should include awareness programmes in schools, public announcements and display boards in trains and buses.
The bench also called on authorities to encourage the use of green, low-emission firecrackers and promote restrictions on the time allowed for bursting crackers.
The judges clarified that the order does not prohibit the manufacture or sale of firecrackers, nor does it restrict all related activities. Instead, the restrictions focus on bursting firecrackers in public spaces, as covered by the court’s directions.
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