Bombay High Court Tells State Not to Hire Celebrities Who Charge for Pollution Awareness Campaigns
The Court has also asked to display helpline numbers against noise pollution and create drives with the involvement of local leaders to bring change in Mumbai's slums.
Public money cannot be used to hire celebrities and convey messages regarding pollution. This was said by Bombay High Court while hearing matter related to noise pollution in Mumbai [In re: Noise and Environmental Pollution].
It came to the notice of the two-judge bench that celebrities have been hired to create awareness regarding pollution. And they want fee for the same. The Court took this matter very seriously.
When Additional Government Pleader Jyoti Chavan told the bench that authorities have contacted some celebrities to help the cause, but they want a fee. The bench was displeased with the answer.
"Please don't approach any celebrity if they are charging you! If they don't care about their own city and want to come only when paid we feel sad! We believed that celebrities have lot of social responsibility, have the feeling towards the city and would reciprocate" said the bench.
"If they don't care about their city and only come when paid then we are sorry".
Bombay High Court
The Court pointed out that celebrities always are happy to come and attend various functions of Police Department.
"Why cant they come for this as well? They come and attend these functions"
Asked the Court. So no expenditure shall be made from the government treasury for delivering public services.
This matter is registered as PIL by the Court itself to control huge pollution of sound and environment due to festivals being celebrated in state of Maharashtra.
In its order dated September 22 the Court directed no bursting of crackers will be allowed in public areas/road. Use of laser lights and other beams were also banned.
It was brought to the court's notice by Senior Advocate Ms. Aspi Chinoy that the affidavits did not mention of any dedicated toll-free helpline number that was recorded.
Mr. Joel Carlos who is appearing on behalf of BMC stated that people can use 24 hour disaster helpline number 1916 to report against noise pollution.
On which the bench directed to disseminate this information on print, cinema and digital media. By making announcements regarding BMC helpline number 1916 and police emergency number 100.
One concern that the bench had was how to create awareness among people residing in the slum areas of Mumbai. Which occupy more than half the area of the city.
"We are concerned as how will you reach the slum area? As the city has 40-50% area occupied by slums" said Justice Kulkarni.
Cracking of firecrackers at midnight is done regularly by the residents of these areas. He further stated that "they need a special campaign to make them aware. We are not saying they shouldn't do it, they just need to know the law."
Learned Counsel Mr. Anand Pai appeared as Amicus Curie. He informed the Court that it may not be possible to reach these areas by normal means.
"As of now it is impossible to enter slum areas and spread awareness. It would be tedious work" said Mr. Pai.
"If they can trust and believe in the leaders of that slum they could pass it on"
And on this basis the Court directed that local corporators should be involved in this drive.
Next date for the hearing has been fixed on 25th November. On which all necessary authorities shall come forward to ensure the proper execution.
