How Can DJs, Firecrackers Be Allowed Till Midnight? Bombay HC Asks Maharashtra Govt
Mumbai, 22nd September 2026: Expressing strong displeasure over permission being granted for DJs and firecrackers until midnight during festivals, the Bombay High Court on Monday directed the state government to place before it details of all rules governing their use.
The court asked the state to submit the information by Tuesday so that it could pass appropriate orders on the issue.
A bench of Justice Girish Kulkarni and Justice Dr Neela Gokhale took up the issue of excessive noise during festivals for suo motu hearing. The bench also called Advocate General Dr Milind Sathe to assist it on the existing noise regulations.
“How can permission be granted to play DJs and burst firecrackers until midnight? What are the rules governing this?” the bench asked.
The court also questioned how a handful of police personnel could control crowds and ensure compliance with noise norms. “If two or four police personnel are deployed, how will they control a crowd of 50 people?” it asked, observing that concrete measures were needed to enforce the regulations.
The bench further sought details of the state’s policy on DJs and noise limits, and whether the prescribed limits were being enforced. It directed the government to place any existing policy before the court. If there was no such policy, the court said it would issue appropriate directions on Tuesday.
Referring to the impact of excessive noise on senior citizens, the court observed that even loud television noise inside a house can cause considerable discomfort to the elderly. It questioned how much greater the impact must be when loud DJs are played and firecrackers are burst on public roads.
