Consider regulated timings for firecrackers, Bombay High Court tells Maharashtra government

The Bombay High Court has instructed the Maharashtra government to consider adopting the Supreme Court's guidelines for regulated firecracker bursting during Deepavali, in order to mitigate environmental and health risks in the city. In a 13-page order, Justices Girish Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale cited the Supreme Court's October 29, 2026 directions, issued under the guise of suo motu, in response to the removal of actress Dia Mirza's video advocating for a noise-free Deepavali by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The video was subsequently pulled down by the BMC on the pretext of BJP Mumbai President Ameet Satam requesting its removal. The High Court emphasized that while Deepavali is a joyous national festival celebrated by all communities, the unregulated use of firecrackers leads to severe air pollution and microscopic particulate matter (PM) that lingers in the atmosphere for days.

The court highlighted that the Supreme Court had directed the bursting of green crackers during Deepavali to be limited to specific time windows in the Delhi-NCR region. The High Court termed the removal of the video "most unfortunate" and stated that there is no room for factionalism or individualism when it comes to upholding public health and environmental initiatives, as mandated by court orders.

The Bench also commended Dia Mirza and other public figures who voluntarily supported the campaign to reduce firecracker pollution without expecting remuneration. The court urged the municipal administration to restore the deleted post and stressed that any actions taken by public authorities should be guided solely by the objective of fostering unity and respecting every citizen's constitutional right to celebrate their festivals.