The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court on Friday questioned the Nagpur police over the conditions under which licences were granted to firecracker sellers and distributors despite violations of safety and noise pollution rules. The court directed the Commissioner of Police Vishwas Nangre Patil to file an affidavit by November 3, explaining the action taken against violators.

 

A division bench of Justice Urmila Joshi-Phalke and Justice Raj Wakode took serious note of firecrackers being burst on public roads despite its earlier directions issued on September 23. The court had prohibited the use of DJ systems, laser lights, beam lights and firecrackers on public roads during festivals and celebrations. The bench had also directed the police to take action against organising committees and DJ owners violating the rules. It clarified that the restrictions would also apply to construction sites where work continues after 10 pm. Police officers, including the Commissioner and Assistant Commissioners, would be held responsible for failure to enforce the directions. During Friday’s hearing, the court observed that violations had continued over the past fortnight. It also raised concerns over modified motorcycle silencers producing loud, firecracker-like sounds, including near the Police Commissioner’s residence.

 

The bench questioned the authorities about action taken against offenders and directed them to identify units manufacturing prohibited firecrackers. It also expressed concern over the complaint portal failing to effectively address violations. Advocates Ashutosh Dharmadhikari and Tushar Mandlekar appeared for the petitioners. Advocate Abdul Subhan assisted the court as amicus curiae. Advocate Gurusharan Singh represented the intervenors, while Advocates Nitin Rao and Shishir Uke appeared for the Government.

 

 

The court observed that firecrackers continued to be burst on public roads despite its orders. It also referred to motorcycles fitted with modified silencers creating loud noises, even near the Police Commissioner Vishwas Nangre Patil’s official residence in Civil Lines residence. The bench questioned what action had been taken against the offenders and why the existing complaint portal had failed to curb violations.