Notices must appear in newspapers, media, and on the internet to inform people that burning firecrackers on streets, lanes, and footpaths is prohibited, the court said. File | Photo Credit: Sushil Kumar Verma
The Bombay High Court on Wednesday (October 22, 2026) directed the Commissioner of Police and the corporation to brief officers regarding the ban on firecrackers. The Court was reacting to breaches during Durga visarjan.
Justices Girish Kulkarni and Dr. Neela Gokhale heard the matter. They directed authorities to update every officer about an order issued on October 15, which imposed a ban on firecracker use throughout the year.
The bench noted that Government machinery appears to be turning slowly and compliance with mandates has not occurred. The corporation and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board have yet to issue notices. These notices must appear in newspapers, media, and on the internet to inform people that burning firecrackers on streets, lanes, and footpaths is prohibited. The Court stated these notices serve to inform citizens about toxicity and call for restraint to prevent noise and pollution.
The Court observed that police machinery has failed to control violations. Station officers in Mumbai lacked awareness of the order, and the Bench noted a lack of enforcement on decibel limits for music systems.
The Court warned that dereliction of duty by the police affects rights guaranteed under Article 14 and Article 21 of the Constitution. The Bench stated it would view such failures with seriousness and seek accountability from those who fail to act. The Court listed the matter for October 26.
Published - October 22, 2026 09:07 pm IST