Court flags unregulated loudspeakers, amplifiers and firecrackers during processions; says celebrations cannot override citizens’ right to a healthy environment
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the rising noise and air pollution caused during festival processions in the city, particularly during the Ganapati festival, and has issued notices to the Maharashtra government, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
A division bench of Justice G.S. Kulkarni and Dr. Justice Neela Gokhale observed that while there can be no objection to festivities and processions, they must be conducted in a manner consistent with the rights of citizens at large. The Court noted that loud music played through loudspeakers and amplifiers, along with bursting of firecrackers on public streets, was causing severe noise and air pollution and was adversely affecting senior citizens, patients, students and children.
The Court said there was already a strong statutory framework governing noise pollution, including permissible decibel limits and restrictions on the use of loudspeakers during certain hours. However, it remarked that these norms were not being effectively implemented on the ground. It also expressed concern that permissions for processions were being misused to play loud music beyond prescribed time limits, with some permissions allegedly extending up to midnight despite restrictions till 10 p.m.
On firecrackers, the bench observed that their bursting on public roads not only increases noise pollution but also worsens air quality and creates a risk of accidents to motorists and pedestrians. Referring to Mumbai’s already alarming air pollution levels, the Court prima facie observed that it may be high time to ban firecrackers that generate both smoke and noise, in order to protect public health and the environment.
The Court issued notices to the State of Maharashtra through the Commissioner of Police (Traffic), the Secretary, Urban Development Department, MPCB and the Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation for Greater Mumbai. The Advocate General accepted notice on behalf of the State.
The bench said it would hear the respondents on the legal requirements and norms that need to be implemented. The matter has been posted for further hearing on 22 September 2026. The Court also appointed senior advocate Aspi Chinoy and advocate Anand Pai as amici curiae to assist it in the proceedings.
Bottom Line :
Noise and environmental pollution during festival processions - Bombay High Court took suo motu cognizance of unregulated use of loudspeakers, amplifiers and firecrackers on public streets - Held, festivities can continue but not at the cost of citizens' legal rights to live without severe noise and air pollution - Court issued notice to State authorities, MPCB and Municipal Corporation and observed prima facie that firecrackers causing noise and air pollution may require a ban.
Statutory provision(s): Noise pollution norms and permissible decibel limits under existing statutory framework, restrictions on use of loudspeakers/amplifiers during prescribed hours, environmental and air pollution regulatory framework
