The Bombay High Court on Wednesday rapped Maharashtra government for not following its previous orders regarding implementing noise pollution rules and removing illegal 'pandals' (temporary structures) in public places and on roads and footpaths during festivals.

Flaying the government for its lackadaisical attitude, a division bench of justices Abhay Oka and Revati Mohite-Dere said they were not against festive celebrations but were against it becoming a nuisance for citizens. "We are not against festival celebration, but it should not become nuisance. If it (festivals) is held without hurting others, only then will they have meaning," remarked the judges.