MUMBAI – The Bombay High Court has issued a directive prohibiting the use of firecrackers, laser lights, loudspeakers, and DJs during festive processions throughout Maharashtra. The order, delivered on Tuesday by a division bench comprising Justices Girish Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale, seeks to address growing concerns over noise and air pollution across the state during various festivals.

The court's ruling specifically targets the deployment of firecrackers and laser beams, alongside sound amplification devices such as loudspeakers and DJ systems, during religious and festive gatherings. The bench underscored that the use of these elements was deemed "completely unwarranted," highlighting their contribution to environmental degradation and disturbance.

In its pronouncement, the bench questioned the rationale behind incorporating such items into traditional celebrations, asking, "Are we going to get additional blessings from God?" This query underscored the court's view that these modern additions do not inherently contribute to the spiritual or cultural essence of festivals but rather introduce unnecessary environmental burdens.

The statewide ban is a significant step towards managing the environmental impact of large-scale public celebrations. The directive aims to ensure that festive periods, while maintaining their cultural significance, do not inadvertently lead to a surge in air and noise pollution, which can have adverse effects on public health and the overall environment. The order applies broadly to all festivals and associated processions across Maharashtra.

This judicial intervention reflects a growing awareness and regulatory push to balance cultural practices with environmental sustainability, particularly in densely populated regions where the collective impact of such activities can be substantial.