Mumbai Police have tightened rules for the sale, storage and transportation of firecrackers in public places ahead of Diwali 2026. As per the new order individuals and businesses carrying out commercial activities of firecrackers in public spaces must get a valid police licence or permission from an authorised government authority.
The restrictions were enforced from November 3 and will continue till December 2, 2026 in areas under the Brihanmumbai Police Commissionerate.
The move will control how fireworks are handled and sold during the festive period and stop unauthorised activity which could put public safety at risk.
What Do the New Mumbai Firecracker Rules Say?
No person shall sell, possess, display, offer or transport firecrackers for commercial sale in public place without licence issued by police.
The restrictions cover four major activities:
- Sale of firecrackers: Selling fireworks in public places without police or government licence is prohibited.
- Storage and possession: Keeping or possessing firecrackers in public places without permission is prohibited.
- Display of fireworks: Displaying firecrackers for commercial purpose requires permission.
- Transportation for sale: Carrying or transporting fireworks for commercial sale in public places without a valid licence is prohibited.
The rules apply to individuals as well as establishments engaged in firecracker related commercial activities within the jurisdiction of Mumbai Police Commissionerate.
Who Issued the Order and Under Which Law?
The order was issued by Akbar Pathan, DCP (Operations) and Executive Magistrate Mumbai Police.
The police used provisions of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951 (Sections 33(1)(h) and 10(2)) to regulate sale and handling of fireworks in public places.
The directive is intended to prevent unauthorised firecracker activities that could block public spaces or endanger residents and visitors.
People and businesses who violate the order may be held liable under the relevant provisions.
Is there a total ban on firecracker sales in Mumbai?
The new order does not mean that all firecracker sales in Mumbai are banned.
It prohibits selling, storing, displaying, possessing or carrying firecrackers for commercial sale in public places without licence.
So traders and sellers need to make sure they have permissions before carrying out activities covered by the order. Residents should also differentiate between licensing restrictions and other rules about where and when firecrackers can be used.
Mumbai already has separate restrictions on bursting of firecrackers on public roads, streets and footpaths. These directions have been issued by the Bombay High Court and are covered under a separate police order which is in force till December 4 next year (2026).
Separate Firecracker Restrictions Near Mahul Refineries
Mumbai Police have also put in place a separate safety restriction around certain petroleum installations in Mahul area of Chembur.
Under this order bursting firecrackers and launching rockets are prohibited in the restricted area of 500 metres around specified BPCL and HPCL refinery and bottling plant installations.
This restriction is to reduce fire hazards near sensitive petroleum facilities. It is separate from licensing rules for commercial firecracker activities in public places.
What Should Firecracker Traders and Residents Know?
As Diwali approaches firecracker traders and temporary sellers should check their licences and conditions attached to them before storing or selling fireworks in public places.
Residents should buy fireworks only from authorised sellers and abide by the restrictions on bursting firecrackers (on public roads etc).
The new licensing order will be in force till December 2, 2026. Any person planning commercial firecracker activity in public places during this period must follow the permissions and conditions prescribed by Mumbai Police.
The curbs are part of a wider festive season safety programme which regulates fireworks, minimises public hazards and enforces local rules across Mumbai.
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