Bombay High Court Orders Maharashtra to Enforce 1998 Neon Light Ban

The Bombay High Court has instructed the Maharashtra government to take immediate action to enforce a ban on neon lights that has been in place since February 1998. This directive comes as part of efforts to mitigate light pollution, particularly during the festive season when such lighting is prevalent. The court's decision was made during a hearing of a petition that sought to declare certain areas as 'dark sky friendly' and regulate the use of high-intensity lights across the state.

The petition was filed by Nilesh Desai, a resident of South Bombay, who expressed concerns over the excessive use of high-intensity lights in various venues, including stadiums and wedding halls. His legal representatives, advocates Ronita Bhattacharya and Sajal Khan, argued that the bright floodlights and billboards contribute significantly to light pollution, which adversely affects the health of residents in Mumbai and Thane. They referenced a previous ruling from 1998, which prohibited the use of neon lights after 11 PM, emphasizing the need for compliance with this order.

In their arguments, the petitioners cited a report from a High Power Committee formed during the 1998 proceedings, which indicated that high-intensity lighting can lead to health issues such as insomnia and other psychological effects. They also pointed to a 2018 order from the Mumbai Collector that reiterated the need to limit the use of such lights. The petition claims that authorities have neglected their responsibilities to address the negative impacts of light pollution, which includes health risks and environmental degradation.

The implications of this ruling extend beyond individual health concerns, as light pollution is recognized as a growing environmental issue that affects not only humans but also local wildlife and vegetation. The petition calls for the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and other relevant authorities to establish regulations to manage light pollution effectively. It also seeks to raise public awareness about the detrimental effects of excessive lighting.

Looking ahead, the court has scheduled the next hearing for November 20, 2026, where further discussions on the implementation of the ban and the establishment of dark sky friendly areas will take place. This case highlights the ongoing struggle to balance urban development with environmental health and the well-being of residents in Maharashtra.