Court Slams Paid Endorsements

MUMBAI — In a sharp directive addressing public expenditure, the Bombay High Court has asserted that Bollywood celebrities should not receive public funds to participate in awareness campaigns against air and noise pollution caused by firecrackers.

A division bench comprising Justice Girish Kulkarni and Justice Neela Gokhale expressed strong displeasure after learning that prominent film personalities demand hefty fees for lending their names to civic and environmental initiatives.

"If celebrities are not willing to come forward for free, there is no need to approach them," the bench observed during a hearing concerning Mumbai's escalating air pollution levels and festive season regulations. Emphasizing civic duty, the court added, "If they charge a fee, it is a completely wrong approach. They have lived in this city and received a lot from it. If they feel a sense of belonging to the city, they must come forward to give something back."

Questioning Priorities and Alternatives

The bench drew comparisons to high-profile entertainment events, questioning why celebrities who readily attend functions like the annual Mumbai Police event 'Umang' cannot spare a brief window for crucial social causes without monetary compensation.

Suggesting alternative outreach strategies, the court noted that local Marathi actors and cultural figures are often willing to champion public interest campaigns pro bono. Additional Government Pleader Jyoti Chavan informed the court that several Bollywood figures had previously posted social media appeals urging citizens to curb firecracker usage, prompting the bench to reiterate that such figures must also support institutional government campaigns without commercial demands.

Broader Civic Measures Appreciated

While addressing the celebrity compensation issue, the judiciary acknowledged proactive steps taken by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). Officials highlighted ongoing multimedia awareness drives across print, television, radio, and digital channels, alongside administrative measures such as administering anti-firecracker oaths to school students and establishing the dedicated 1916 helpline for citizen grievances.

However, the court mandated that these pollution mitigation drives must extend beyond token gestures or single-day events, calling for sustained, long-term educational outreach—particularly targeting dense urban settlements.

"We are not against slum dwellers, but they burst firecrackers even until 2 am. Take the help of corporators and prominent citizens to create awareness there," Justice Kulkarni directed, emphasizing community-level engagement to curb nocturnal noise and air pollution during festive periods.