The Bombay High Court has taken action by issuing notice on a public interest litigation (PIL) petition. This petition highlights concerns regarding the negative consequences of installing artificial lights on trees during festivals. It specifically addresses the harm inflicted upon the trees themselves and the nocturnal organisms that inhabit or rely on these trees.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice AS Doctor has requested a response from various authorities regarding this issue. These authorities include the Maharashtra government, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), as well as the municipal corporations of Thane and Mira Bhayander, along with the respective tree authorities in these regions.

The PIL presented before the Court has been initiated by activist Rohit Joshi. Within the context of highlighting the damage inflicted upon trees due to the practice of adorning them with artificial lights, the petition makes reference to a circular issued by the Department of Forestry and Welfare of the Government of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. This circular was issued based on an order by the National Green Tribunal dating back to April 2013.

The circular underscored the steps undertaken by the Delhi government to mitigate damage inflicted on tree trunks and roots due to various factors such as signboards, advertisements (signages), electric wires, high-tension cables, and other detrimental elements.

During the proceedings, Advocate Ronita Bhattacharya represented Joshi, the petitioner before the Bombay High Court, and expressed apprehension regarding the uncontrolled practice of wrapping or hanging high-tension cables, wires, lighting fixtures, and signposts over trees in urban areas. The counsel emphasized that such practices are harmful to the well-being and development of trees as well as the other organisms residing within them.

Additionally, it was highlighted that the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act stipulates that any form of burning or damage inflicted upon a tree constitutes the "felling of a tree," a restricted action under the Act, requiring permission from the relevant civic authorities. The petitioner has contended that the civic authorities have neglected their responsibilities in safeguarding the trees.

To address the situation, the petitioner has implored the court to mandate the civic authorities to initiate measures for the removal of wires, lighting fixtures, cables, and signposts from trees within their jurisdictions. Furthermore, the petitioner has urged the Court to instruct the relevant authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns regarding the adverse impacts of adorning trees with artificial lights and cables.