HC imposes year-round ban on firecrackers on road
Mumbai's Bombay High Court has extended its ban on firecrackers on public roads to apply throughout the year, ahead of the Diwali festival. The court, in a decision by Justices G S Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale, aims to tackle the toxic pollution caused by firecrackers, which disproportionately affects the elderly and children. Last month, the court ordered a complete ban on firecrackers on public roads during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, citing concerns over air and noise pollution.
The bench expressed frustration over the government's apparent lack of control over the issue, describing the situation as a state of lawlessness. It emphasized that every citizen is bound by the Constitution and that their rights take precedence over the non-compliance with laws. The court highlighted that the failure to follow these laws is the root of the problem.
To enforce the ban, the Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) will issue notices prohibiting the burning of firecrackers in public places such as streets, lanes, and footpaths. Additionally, the court ordered a public awareness campaign to educate citizens about the harmful effects of firecrackers on their health.
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