Bombay High Court extends firecracker ban on public roads year-round

The Bombay High Court has ruled that its ban on bursting firecrackers on public streets, lanes, and footpaths will remain in effect throughout the year. This extension applies to all festivals, including Navratri, Diwali, and Christmas, moving beyond the previous order that was specific to the Ganeshotsav period.

A division bench comprising Justices Girish S Kulkarni and Neela K Gokhale expressed concern regarding worsening air and noise pollution, noting that toxic emissions particularly impact children and senior citizens. The court criticized the current lack of enforcement, stating, “You [authorities] have no control over burning firecrackers... The problem is the non-following of law.”

The court directed the Maharashtra government, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to take several actions. These include issuing public notices regarding the restrictions, launching awareness campaigns in schools and public transit, and promoting the use of low-emission green crackers. The court clarified that the ruling does not prohibit the manufacture or sale of firecrackers, only their use on public roads.