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The Bombay High Court has signaled its intent to prohibit the use of firecrackers during public festivities in Maharashtra, citing concerns over noise and air pollution. The court, presided over by Justices Girish S Kulkarni and Neela K Gokhale, will direct authorities to enforce bans on burning firecrackers on public streets and roads during events like Ganeshotsav.

Police and other officials are tasked with monitoring decibel levels and taking stringent action to mitigate pollution. The bench emphasized that such celebrations should not result in health risks or inconvenience for citizens. The court questioned the lack of consistent policies across Maharashtra, noting that Nagpur and Solapur authorities had already taken proactive measures.

Advocate General Milind Sathe argued that existing police directives restrict the use of any musical instruments creating noise beyond permissible decibel levels. Justice Kulkarni highlighted the dangers of firecracker pollution and called for preventive action rather than reactive measures. The court will monitor decibel levels through visual meter readings recorded in official documents and will ensure that venues and processions display the permissions granted.

Authorities are expected to sensitize those involved in festivities to comply with noise level regulations. The court also expressed concern over noise levels exceeding 100 decibels and directed authorities to take preventive action to prevent harm to citizens.