Bombay High Court questions noisy celebrations in Nagpur on Ambedkar Jayanti

The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has invoked Dr BR Ambedkar’s constitutional philosophy to question noisy Ambedkar Jayanti celebrations in Nagpur [Bhupendrakumar Wasnik v. State of Maharashtra & Ors.]

A division bench of Justices Urmila Joshi-Phalke and Nivedita P Mehta issued notice to the organisers over alleged violations of noise rules and citizens’ right to a peaceful life under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The Court was hearing a batch of public interest litigation petitions filed in 2025 by Dr. Bhupendrakumar Wasnik and others, which flagged environmental degradation and noise pollution and sought close judicial monitoring of compliance with environmental and noise norms. 

Advocate Abdul Subhan, the amicus curiae, informed the court that celebrations at Samvidhan Square on the night before Ambedkar Jayanti involved loud noise, slogans and bursting of firecrackers in violation of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 and the public’s right to life. 

In its order, the Court said it felt constrained to reflect on Ambedkar’s vision and whether this celebration follows the thoughts laid by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.

The bench noted that his idea of social democracy meant “a way of life where one’s own progress does not come at the cost of another’s dignity.” 

“Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar emphasised that rights are protected not just by law but by social and moral conscience of the society. Thus, he stated that, while protecting your own rights, you have to respect the rights of others which are the foundation of civil society,” the Court said.

On the specific grievance of noise, the Court noted that loud sounds during the night, especially between 10 pm and 6 am, violate the noise rules and directly disturb the sleep and health of individuals including elders and children with illnesses. 

While acknowledging that the right to celebrate is part of cultural expression, the Court underscored that the right to life has priority. 

“Celebrations, such as festivals and protests, should not infringe the public health or safety or ambient environmental standards,” the Court stated. 

Hence, it issued notice to the organisers at Samvidhan Square on whether Ambedkar’s principles were truly being propagated.

The Court also sought an explanation from the Nagpur Police Commissioner on steps taken to protect Article 21 rights. 

The matters will be heard next on June 9.

[Read Order]