In this research, magnetic porous carbon was directly synthesized through one-step pyrolysis of FeCl3 – lotus seedpod mixture. Properties of the obtained material were analysed by X-ray powder diffraction, SEM image, nitrogen adsorption isotherm and vibrating sample magnetometer. The results showed that magnetic Fe3O4 particles were successfully formed over material template in 1 hour. The magnetic porous carbon possessed the specific magnetization of 7.13 emu/g, high specific surface area of 288 m2/g and total pore volume of 0.18 cm3/g. The material was subsequently applied as a potential catalyst for Ponceau 4R degradation by H2O2. Parameters including pH, H2O2 concentration, and different types of catalysts were investigated. At pH 3, 200 ppm H2O2, and 0.40 g/L magnetic porous carbon, 83% Ponceau 4R 50 ppm was removed after 120 minutes treatment. Moreover, the catalyst powders were separated from the treated mixture easily by a magnet. Summarily, magnetic porous carbon can promise to be an efficient catalyst in decomposition of Ponceau 4R.