Firecrackers banned in Maharashtra all year, no ban on making and selling: Cannot burst them in Diwali-Christmas; Bombay High Court said

Hindi News National Bombay High Court Firecracker Ban | Maharashtra Festival Order Crackers banned throughout the year in Maharashtra, no ban on making or selling: Cannot be burst during Diwali-Christmas; Bombay High Court said- Pollution can turn the city into a gas chamber Copy link The Bombay High Court has imposed a ban on bursting firecrackers on public roads, streets, and footpaths for the entire year. This ban will apply during Navratri, Diwali, Christmas, and all other festivals. The order has been given to prevent noise and air pollution during festival processions across Maharashtra. The bench of Justices Girish S. Kulkarni and Nila K. Gokale gave this direction. The bench said, "Until citizens understand the need of the situation and become aware of the long-term dangers in cities, the situation will continue to worsen. Such cities can turn into gas chambers." The court has directed the Maharashtra government, BMC, and MPCB to start awareness campaigns and complaint systems. However, the court clarified that a ban on the manufacture and sale of firecrackers has not been imposed. The next hearing will be on November 25. Order given during Ganesh Utsav The bench extended the scope of its order from September 22. This order was given during Ganesh Utsav. The court had imposed this ban to reduce severe noise and air pollution during festival processions. Now this order will remain in force throughout the year. The court expressed serious concern over the deteriorating air quality. The judges said that non-compliance with the law is the problem. This order was given in the case 'High Court on Its Own Motion vs Maharashtra Government and Others'. This matter is related to a public interest litigation (PIL) and other petitions. In these petitions, serious concerns were raised regarding loud sound systems and bursting firecrackers on public roads. Impact of Diwali Pollution on Children and Elderly The judges said that the toxic pollution that occurs after Diwali particularly affects children and the elderly. The court stressed the need for strict enforcement of the laws. For this, directions were given to the Maharashtra government, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). - All three bodies have to issue public notices informing about the toxic effects. - Awareness campaigns must be started in schools and public transport within a week. - Celebrities are asked to be included in the campaign and to promote less polluting green crackers. - An effective complaint system must also be established in collaboration with the police. --------------- Read this news also... Bombay High Court said: Ban on alcohol during Ganesh festival is one-sided: Addicted will crowd hospitals while sick The Bombay High Court had reprimanded the Pune administration in September for imposing a 10-day ban on alcohol during Ganesh Utsav. The court had said that those addicted to alcohol will crowd hospitals if not allowed to drink alcohol for 10 days. The bench of Chief Justice M C Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna had asked during the hearing what is the argument behind choosing only Pune? We condemn such a practice. It is a stigma for the residents of Pune. After the reprimand of the Bombay High Court, the Pune administration reduced the prohibition on alcohol during Ganesh Utsav from 10 days to 2 days. Read the full news...