The Bombay High Court has questioned the use of public money to pay celebrities for environmental awareness campaigns, observing that prominent personalities who have built their lives and careers in Mumbai should voluntarily contribute to protecting the city's environment.
A division bench of Justices Girish S Kulkarni and Dr Neela Gokhale made the observations while hearing a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) concerning noise and air pollution caused by loudspeakers, high-powered music systems, laser lights and firecrackers during public festivities and processions across Maharashtra.
The bench indicated that awareness initiatives should not become a means of spending taxpayers' money on personalities who demand fixed commercial fees for participating in campaigns. It emphasised that celebrities could contribute to civic and environmental causes out of a sense of belonging to the city.
The observations came amid the court's continuing efforts to ensure stricter enforcement of pollution-control measures during festivals, particularly in densely populated urban areas where residents are exposed to excessive noise and toxic smoke.
In its October 15 order, the court reiterated a total ban on bursting firecrackers on public streets, roads and other public places during festivities throughout the year. It also prohibited laser lights and high-intensity beams during processions and celebrations. <Cite refs={["turn735951search1","turn735951search4"]}/>
The bench directed authorities to measure noise levels during permitted events and take strict action against unauthorised or illegal use of sound systems. Organisers seeking permission must undertake to install decibel meters at venues and processions, display the readings prominently and ensure that sound systems have internal sound limiters.
The court also directed authorities to consider security deposits of at least Rs 1 lakh for groups or associations and Rs 50,000 for individuals seeking permission to organise events. The deposits may be forfeited if prescribed noise limits are breached, in addition to other legal action. <Cite refs={["turn735951search3","turn735951search9"]}/>
The judges stressed that enforcement must be preventive rather than limited to imposing fines after violations have already affected residents. They noted that excessive noise and pollution disproportionately affect children, senior citizens, people who are unwell and students preparing for examinations.
The court has also directed the Maharashtra government, municipal corporations and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board to conduct awareness programmes through schools, public announcements, social media and messages displayed on buses, at bus stops and in trains.
Authorities have been asked to establish complaint mechanisms, appoint nodal officers to coordinate enforcement and equip field staff with decibel meters and other monitoring devices.
The proceedings were initiated by the court on its own motion in September in response to concerns over the unregulated use of amplified music and firecrackers during festivals. The bench has maintained that celebrations and processions can continue, but must not come at the cost of citizens' health and their right to a clean and healthy environment.