If they want fees, we are sorry: Court slams celebrities over anti-pollution drive

The Bombay High Court has expressed displeasure over celebrities demanding appearance fees to participate in anti-pollution campaigns, questioning why film personalities would not support a public cause in their own city without charging for it. The court said it had expected celebrities to show a sense of social responsibility and belonging, rather than make their participation conditional on payment.“Don't go to any celebrity who is going to charge you! If celebrities are not conscious about their own city, and they want to come only at fees, we are very sorry!” Justice GS Kulkarni said on Monday, during a hearing on measures to curb noise and air pollution during festive processions across Maharashtra.The bench, comprising Justices GS Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale, was questioning authorities about publicity given to its order prohibiting the bursting of firecrackers on public roads during the Ganpati and Navratri festivities.Additional government pleader Jyoti Chavan informed the court that authorities had approached celebrities to support the anti-pollution campaign, but they were asking to be paid for their appearances. “We thought that there are celebrities who have a lot of social interest, sense of belonging to the city, and they would give it back,” Justice Kulkarni said.‘IF THEY CAN COME FOR POLICE FUNCTIONS, WHY NOT THIS?’The bench also orally observed that celebrities frequently attend police department functions without hesitation and questioned why they could not lend their support to a public awareness campaign. “If they can come for that celebration, why they can't come here?” the bench asked, adding that the state exchequer should not have to bear the cost of public service messaging.The remarks came during a suo motu public interest litigation initiated by the High Court to curb severe noise and air pollution during festive processions across Maharashtra.COURT SEEKS BETTER ENFORCEMENT OF FIRECRACKER BANOn September 22, the bench had ordered a ban on bursting firecrackers on public streets and roads during festivities. It had also prohibited the use of laser lights and high-intensity beam lights.During Monday’s hearing, amicus curiae Aspi Chinoy drew the court’s attention to the absence of dedicated, recorded grievance helplines in the affidavits submitted by the administration.Advocate Joel Carlos, appearing for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), submitted that noise-related complaints would be routed through the civic body’s existing 24-hour disaster helpline, 1916.COURT FLAGS VIOLATIONS IN MUMBAI SLUM AREASThe bench also raised concerns over a lack of awareness and compliance in Mumbai’s extensive slum settlements, which account for more than half of the city’s area. It observed that firecracker violations around midnight remained rampant in these neighbourhoods.“There you require special kind of drive, sensitising all these persons who are in the slums. We are nothing against them, but they should follow the law,” Justice Kulkarni said.The court directed civic authorities to actively involve ward corporators in efforts to improve awareness and compliance.The proceedings were adjourned to November 25, with the BMC, police and pollution authorities directed to coordinate sustained enforcement measures.- Ends