The Bombay High Court (HC) has imposed a blanket ban on firecrackers and the use of laser lights during festive processions on roads across Maharashtra as part of a series of measures intended to curb air and noise pollution during public celebrations. 

A division bench of the HC, comprising Justices GS Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale pronounced the verdict on Tuesday while hearing a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) concerning unchecked pollution during festivals, including Ganeshotsav. 

The court also pulled the plug on the use of high-intensity lumen lights and beams during festive celebrations, underlining the need for preventive action to safeguard residents from the detrimental effects of excessive noise and other forms of pollution. 

Organisers face stricter noise-control measures

As per the court’s directives, bursting firecrackers on public roads and streets during festivities will not be permitted. Organisers helming festivals and processions will also be required to install internal sound limiters and clearly visible decibel meters at venues. Moreover, organisers must submit affidavits confirming that their sound systems are equipped with internal limiters. Furthermore, the court issued orders to groups to furnish a security deposit of Rs 1 lakh, while people will have to deposit Rs 50,000. 

The court ruled that the security amount shall be forfeited if prescribed noise limits are breached. 

Authorities have also been instructed to seize sound equipment found to be in violation of the prescribed requirements and record decibel levels in the presence of organisers. Processions must also display the relevant permission documents and provide contact details of those responsible for organising the event. 

Authorities directed to assess cumulative noise impact

Furthermore, the HC has directed officials to consider the cumulative impact of noise pollution within a ward before granting multiple permissions for celebrations or processions. On the other hand, authorities have been ordered to brief organisers about their legal responsibilities at the beginning of processions and ensure that preventive measures are followed from the outset. 

The HC’s remarks came during proceedings in which the bench had reportedly made an oral observation that celebrations should not culminate in people contracting health consequences or losing their lives. 

The court’s approach places emphasis on preventing violations rather than imposing minor penalties after public health has already been affected. 

Violations could result in prosecution

Those violating the court’s directions could face prosecution under the Noise Pollution Rules, the Environment (Protection) Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Explosives Act. The order is likely to affect the organisers of festive processions across Maharashtra, particularly the ones involving amplified sound, fireworks and high-intensity lighting.