Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Bombay High Court Order Tightens Noise Rules For Processions
The Bombay High Court made rules to reduce very loud noise during religious processions.
It said people cannot burst firecrackers on public roads.
Groups holding processions must show their official permission.
Police and other authorities must check how loud the music and celebrations are.
They must take action if the sound is too loud.
The court also banned using cylinders as musical instruments.
A Pune anti-loudspeaker group was pleased with the decision.
The group hopes festivals can remain joyful without causing painful noise for residents.
The Bombay High Court ordered an immediate ban on bursting firecrackers on public roads.
Procession organisers must display their official permissions, according to the order.
Police and other authorities must monitor sound levels and act when decibel limits are exceeded.
The court banned using cylinders as musical instruments by dhol-tasha troupes.
Punekars Against Loudspeakers welcomed the ruling and urged authorities to enforce it in Pune.
- Who
- The Bombay High Court, Pune authorities, procession organisers, and Punekars Against Loudspeakers are involved.
- What
- The court ordered immediate measures to control noise during religious processions, including bans on public-road firecrackers and cylinder instruments.
- When
- The order was issued on Tuesday; the article does not provide a date.
- Where
- The measures concern Pune and religious processions in Maharashtra.
- Why
- The court acted over noise pollution caused by religious processions and residents’ demands for protection from excessive noise.
- Court
- Bombay High Court
- Bench
- Justice Girish Kulkarni and Justice Dr. Neela Gokhale
- Firecrackers
- Bursting firecrackers on public roads was completely banned.
- Procession permissions
- Mandal organisers must display the permission granted for their processions.
- Sound monitoring
- Police and other competent authorities must monitor decibel levels and act when limits are exceeded.
- Musical instruments
- The court banned using cylinders as musical instruments by dhol-tasha troupes.
- Additional measure
- The court directed that Silent Zones be officially notified, according to the forum.