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Maharashtra festival noise and firecracker regulation

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-22 17:25 UTC → 2026-10-15 17:05 UTC · added removed

Maharashtra festival noise and firecracker regulation enforcement

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, effective from early September through November 1, ban targets modified vehicles with high-powered sound systems and the use of laser lights, which officials noted can cause eye injuries and driver distraction. Systems operating within permissible noise limits remain allowed. At the state level, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has called for a return to traditional celebration methods, comparing the noise from modern DJ systems to the ‘sound of an earthquake.’ In Pune, the debate has intensified following an assault on activist Vidyanand Bapat, triggering protests by groups such as the Loudspeaker-Virodhi Punekar Manch. Expanding the judicial Judicial oversight of festival noise, has expanded significantly through the Bombay High Court has taken Court. Taking suo motu cognisance of pollution levels. A levels, a division bench comprising Justices GS Kulkarni and Neela G K Gokhale is considering a ban on firecrackers on public roads to protect the health of students and senior citizens. The court expressed concern over initially addressed extreme noise levels reaching 106 decibels and questioned the logic of allowing music until midnight when standard limits end at 10:00 pm. decibels. The bench directed police to use decibel meters for on-site measurements and to confiscate violating equipment, criticizing court criticized current enforcement where 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.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-15 17:05 UTC Maharashtra festival noise and firecracker regulation
  2. 2026-09-22 17:25 UTC Maharashtra festival noise regulation enforcement
  3. 2026-09-07 07:22 UTC Maharashtra festival noise regulation enforcement
  4. 2026-09-05 13:17 UTC Maharashtra festival noise regulation enforcement

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