High Court Urges Stars to Back Mumbai Pollution Campaigns Pro Bono

In a significant observation on civic responsibility, the Bombay High Court has said that celebrities should take part in official anti-firecracker campaigns without accepting government money. The court was hearing a matter related to firecracker bursting during Navratri and worsening air pollution in Mumbai on Monday.

Justice Kulkarni's bench displayed clear displeasure after learning that celebrities were charging heavy fees for these awareness programmes. The court held that if celebrities are not willing to join without payment, officials should not reach out to them, and public funds should not be spent on such engagements.

The judge said that celebrities have gained considerably from Mumbai and should therefore give back if they regard the city as home. The bench asked why celebrities who appear at the Mumbai Police's yearly events could not give 15 minutes for a social purpose. It also proposed that Marathi artists could be approached for free help, if necessary.

Government counsel submitted that several Bollywood stars had already requested people on Instagram not to burst firecrackers. The court said the same willingness should be shown toward official drives, without any fee. It underlined that celebrities must understand their social duty and contribute to the city's interest.

The bench appreciated the measures taken by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, or BMC, and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, or MPCB. These include advertisements in newspapers, on TV, radio and social media, pledges by school students to avoid firecrackers, and helpline number 1916 for registering complaints.

The court directed that the campaign should run continuously rather than for a single day. It also asked for special awareness efforts in slum settlements, with the help of corporators and local residents.

The bench noted that firecrackers are routinely burst in these areas until 2 am, adding to air and noise pollution. The administration was asked to keep strict watch during Diwali and other festivals and to take action against rule violators.

The High Court's stance is being viewed as an important message on the role of government machinery and celebrities in environmental conservation.