Bombay HC extends public-road firecracker ban to all festivals year-round

The Bombay High Court extended its public-place firecracker ban across all festivals and the entire year. Authorities must publicise the restriction and warn citizens about pollution-related health risks.

In Short

• Pollution from crackers disproportionately harms children and senior citizens, judges observed
• Air pollution levels typically rise after Diwali celebrations, the bench noted
• Court criticised authorities for lacking control over widespread illegal cracker use

The Bombay High Court has said that its ban on bursting firecrackers on public roads and streets will remain in force throughout the year and apply to all festivals, news agency Press Trust of India reported.

Ahead of Diwali, a bench of Justices G S Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale said pollution caused by firecrackers affects everyone, particularly senior citizens and children, and that air pollution increases after the festival.

During Ganesh Chaturthi last month, the bench had imposed a complete ban on bursting firecrackers on public roads, noting that the activity causes both air and noise pollution. The court had taken suo motu cognisance of noise pollution during festivals.

During Thursday's hearing, the bench observed that the government and other authorities appeared to have no control over the bursting of firecrackers, PTI reported.

"There is a state of lawlessness. We are all bound by the Constitution, and the rights of citizens are paramount. The problem is the non-following of law," the court said.

The bench said its earlier order banning firecrackers on public roads would apply throughout the year and to all festivals, adding that this would meet the ends of justice.

The court directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board to issue notices stating that "burning of firecrackers at all public places, namely streets, lanes, and footpaths, shall not be permitted".

The authorities were also directed to conduct an awareness campaign about the harmful effects of pollution caused by firecrackers.

The High Court's direction extends the ban on bursting firecrackers on public roads, streets, lanes and footpaths to all festivals and throughout the year, while requiring the authorities to publicise the restriction and raise awareness about its health impact.

- Ends