No Public Money for Celebrity Anti-Firecracker Campaigns, Rules Bombay High Court

No Public Money for Celebrity Anti-Firecracker Campaigns, Rules Bombay High Court in In Re: Noise and Environmental Pollution v. State of Maharashtra

Case: In Re: Noise and Environmental Pollution v. State of Maharashtra
Date of Judgment: 26 October 2026
Court: Bombay High Court
Coram: Justice G. S. Kulkarni and Justice Neela Gokhale
Proceedings: Suo Motu Public Interest Litigation No. 1 of 2026

Court Observation

“We would not expect the State Government or local bodies to incur expenditure from the public exchequer on this count.”

Summary

The Bombay High Court has directed that the State Government and local bodies must not spend public money on celebrities for the campaign against bursting of firecrackers. Instead, the Mumbai Police Commissioner is to invite celebrities to take part voluntarily. The Court was hearing its suo motu case on noise and environmental pollution in Mumbai.

The Court also ordered a ban on the bursting of loud crackers in public places and roads in Maharashtra during Diwali this year, while clarifying that there will be no ban on the manufacture or sale of firecrackers. Where firecrackers are burst at private places, the decibel limit must be followed there as well. The Court noted that many poor families earn their livelihood from the firecracker business, and said it would not comment on the case already pending, but would promote awareness in favour of green firecrackers.

Reviewing compliance affidavits from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and the Mumbai Police Commissioner, the Court appreciated their proactive steps taken within a short time, including newspaper advertisements, television, cinema and FM campaigns, billboards and school sensitisation, but said the wheels of the official machinery had turned too slowly for compliance and that awareness campaigns must translate into effective enforcement on the ground.

Key Holdings

  • Public money must not be spent on paying celebrities for anti-firecracker awareness campaigns; celebrities are expected to participate voluntarily as a matter of social commitment.
  • Uncontrolled bursting of crackers on public roads and in traffic areas increases the risk of accidents and worsens air quality, and cannot be ignored given the toxicity of the smoke and the intensity of the sound.
  • Celebrations are not opposed, but must be conducted responsibly, with regard to patients, senior citizens and the environment.
  • Awareness campaigns and public notices must translate into effective enforcement on the ground, not remain on paper.

Directions Issued

  • The State Government and local bodies shall not incur expenditure from the public exchequer on celebrity participation in the anti-firecracker campaign; the Mumbai Police Commissioner shall take effective steps to involve celebrities voluntarily.
  • The bursting of loud crackers on public places and roads in Maharashtra is banned during Diwali this year; there is no ban on the manufacture or sale of firecrackers.
  • Where firecrackers are burst at private places, the decibel limit must be followed.
  • Widespread public awareness shall be created, including campaigns in schools and communities, and the matter comes up next on 19 November 2026.

Background

The Court is hearing a suo motu petition on air and noise pollution caused by loud sound systems, amplifiers and firecrackers during festivals and celebrations. The State had proposed an awareness campaign, and the Court was told that celebrities charge fixed fees even for social campaigns. The Bench observed that it was at pains to hear this, expecting celebrities to have a sense of belonging and to come forward voluntarily, and suggested that the government approach Marathi actors to take part free of charge.

Disclaimer: This is a summary prepared for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should refer to the official judgment for the authoritative text.

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