Bombay High Court Pulls Up Authorities Over Mumbai’s Rising Air Pollution
Brief By Newsbrief / 1:47 PM on 22 Oct 2026
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has expressed serious concern over deteriorating air quality in Mumbai, questioning why the coastal city is experiencing worsening pollution despite its geographical advantages.
A bench of Justices Girish S. Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale raised concerns while hearing a suo motu public interest litigation concerning pollution. According to a report by Bar and Bench, the court criticised the functioning of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), civic authorities and the police.
The bench also expressed displeasure over repeated violations of restrictions on bursting firecrackers on public roads and using loud sound systems without prior permission. It stressed that existing court directions must be implemented effectively.
The court directed the Mumbai Police Commissioner to meet police station heads and prepare a standard operating procedure (SOP) to ensure compliance. The commissioner must also submit an affidavit confirming enforcement of the restrictions.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and MPCB were directed to publish public-awareness notices on social media by October 24 and file affidavits confirming compliance.
The bench warned that negligence affecting citizens’ constitutional rights under Articles 14 and 21 would be taken seriously. The next hearing is scheduled for October 26.