Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has directed that firecrackers not be burst on public roads, while instructing authorities to ensure that celebrations and festivals do not cause noise or air pollution. The court also said that the use of loudspeakers at high volume, DJs and laser beams during religious processions was unnecessary.
A bench comprising Justices Girish Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale took suo motu cognisance of the issue of noise and air pollution and made these observations. The court noted that bursting firecrackers on public roads increases the risk of accidents and causes toxic pollution.
The court also expressed concern over the high noise levels during processions. The bench clarified that it was not opposed to people celebrating festivals, but said celebrations must be conducted without endangering citizens’ health and safety.
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The court further suggested that organisers who obtain police permission for processions should display the permission prominently. It also asked the government to consider confiscating the security deposit in cases of violations.
The court said that the existence of laws and rules has little impact if they are not effectively enforced. It stressed the need for strict compliance with the rules and action against violators.
