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4 clusters · 18 sources · 43 days · First seen · Last updated

Maharashtra festival noise and firecracker regulation

Overview

Authorities in Maharashtra are implementing restrictions on loud sound systems and laser lights ahead of the Ganeshotsav festival to manage noise pollution and public safety.

In Nagpur, Police Commissioner Vishwas Nangare Patil issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. The ban targets modified vehicles with high-powered sound systems and laser lights, which officials noted can cause eye injuries and driver distraction. At the state level, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has called for a return to traditional celebration methods, comparing modern DJ systems to the ‘sound of an earthquake.’

Judicial oversight has expanded significantly through the Bombay High Court. Taking suo motu cognisance of pollution levels, a division bench comprising Justices GS Kulkarni and Neela G K Gokhale initially addressed extreme noise levels reaching 106 decibels. The court criticized current enforcement, noting that minor fines often act as ‘de facto permission to break the law,’ and directed police to use decibel meters and confiscate violating equipment.

In a subsequent ruling, the Bombay High Court extended its ban on bursting firecrackers on public streets, lanes, and footpaths to a year-round restriction. This permanent measure applies to all festivals, including Navratri, Diwali, and Christmas, to combat worsening air and noise pollution. The court noted that toxic emissions particularly impact children and senior citizens, stating, ‘You [authorities] have no control over burning firecrackers... The problem is the non-following of law.’ The ruling directs the Maharashtra government, the BMC, and the MPCB to launch awareness campaigns and promote low-emission green crackers, while clarifying that the manufacture and sale of firecrackers remain legal.

Entities

Bombay High Court · Maharashtra · GS Kulkarni · Maharashtra Government · Devendra Fadnavis

Timeline

  1. [POLITICS] 4 sources
    Bombay High Court extends firecracker ban on public roads year-round

    The Bombay High Court extended its ban on bursting firecrackers on public streets and footpaths to apply year-round across all festivals to combat rising air and noise pollution.

  2. [CULTURE] 4 sources
    Bombay High Court considers firecracker ban and noise limits

    The Bombay High Court is considering a ban on firecrackers on public roads in Maharashtra and has ordered police to strictly enforce noise limits during festivals to protect public health.

  3. [POLITICS] 8 sources
    Maharashtra officials debate DJ bans during religious festivals

    Maharashtra officials and citizens are debating a ban on high-decibel DJ systems during religious festivals like Ganeshotsav to curb noise pollution and protect public health.

  4. [CRIME] 5 sources
    Nagpur Police ban high-powered sound systems and laser lights

    Nagpur Police have banned high-powered modified sound systems and laser lights from September through November 1 to prevent noise pollution and public safety hazards during the festive season.

Sources

barandbench.com · bhaskarlive.in · chemindigest.com · dailynewsupdate.net · deccanchronicle.com · esakal.com · kafila.online · lawchakra.in · nagpurtoday.in · nationalheraldindia.com · news18.com · news9live.com · newsx.com · sabrangindia.in · scroll.in · thelivenagpur.com · thenews21.com · timesnownews.com

This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history