The Mumbai Police have banned the bursting of firecrackers on public roads and the use of laser lights, high-intensity lights and beams during festivities and processions until December 4, 2026, following directions from the Bombay High Court on noise and environmental pollution.
The preventive order was issued on October 5 by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Akbar Pathan and came into effect at 12.01 a.m. on October 6. It will remain in force until midnight on December 4, unless withdrawn earlier. The order applies across the jurisdiction of the Mumbai Police Commissionerate.
Issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, read with Section 10(2) of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, the notification prohibits the bursting of firecrackers, fireworks and rockets on public streets and roads. It also prohibits the use of laser lights, high-intensity lumen lights and beams during festivities and processions.
The restrictions follow a September 22 order by a Division Bench of Justices G.S. Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale in a suo motu public interest litigation concerning noise and environmental pollution during festivals. The High Court directed a complete ban on firecrackers on public streets and roads during festivities and instructed authorities to prohibit laser lights and high-intensity lights during processions.
The court also directed authorities to monitor noise levels at festival venues and processions and take action against unauthorised sound systems. Equipment found violating prescribed noise limits may be seized and confiscated. Organisers seeking permission to use sound systems must undertake to install decibel meters at prominent locations where they are visible to authorities and the public. They must also submit an undertaking or affidavit confirming that their sound systems have internal sound limiters.
Permissions for festivities must be prominently displayed along with the names, addresses and mobile numbers of those responsible for the events. The court also asked authorities to consider collecting security deposits of at least ₹1 lakh from associations or groups and ₹50,000 from individuals seeking permission to use sound systems. These deposits may be forfeited if noise limits are violated.
The High Court cited the effect of noise pollution on senior citizens, patients, students and children, as well as the risks posed by firecrackers on public roads. The court noted that firecrackers could cause accidents involving pedestrians and motorists and contribute to deteriorating air quality. It also directed authorities to assess the cumulative impact of multiple permissions issued within the same ward before approving sound systems.
Violations of the police restrictions may attract penal action under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Explosives Act, 1884, and other applicable laws. The High Court is scheduled to hear the matter next on October 15, 2026.
