Bombay High Court Takes Suo Motu Notice Of Festival Noise Pollution, Seeks Maharashtra Action Plan On Loudspeakers And DJs
Mumbai: With loud music and high-volume sound systems during festive processions raising concerns over public disturbance, the Bombay High Court on Monday took suo motu cognisance (on its own) of noise pollution at public places across Maharashtra and sought details from the state on the laws governing noise levels and their enforcement.
Court Seeks State Response on Noise Control Measures
A bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale directed the Advocate General to appear before it and explain the steps being taken by the government and police to control excessive noise during festivals and public processions.
The court’s intervention came during a hearing concerning the ongoing immersion processions. The bench raised concerns over the use of DJs, Dolby sound systems and loudspeakers at high volumes, and stressed that celebrations cannot come at the cost of inconvenience to others.
Celebrations Cannot Cause Public Inconvenience, Says Court
“We are not against any religion or festivals. However, while celebrating festivals, everyone must ensure that others are not inconvenienced,” Justice Kulkarni observed.
The bench directed the state to place before it on Tuesday details of the applicable laws and rules regulating noise pollution during processions. It also sought information on the permissible sound levels, whether guidelines have been framed for their enforcement and what action is being taken against violators.
State Asked to Explain Enforcement of Noise Rules
The court’s intervention assumes significance as several festivals and processions are currently being held across the state, with the use of loudspeakers and high-powered sound systems often becoming a source of noise pollution in residential and public areas.
Coastal Road BMW Crash: Driver Shanay Gajjar Was Previously Booked In Speeding And Pub Disturbance Cases, Police Records ShowThe Nagpur Bench of the High Court has separately imposed restrictions on DJs exceeding permissible sound limits in Nagpur city and the Vidarbha region until November 1. It has emphasised that merely issuing notifications or orders is insufficient and that authorities must ensure effective implementation on the ground.
The Nagpur Bench has also directed police to seize DJ mixers, amplifiers and entire sound systems found violating noise pollution norms and register criminal cases against offenders.
The High Court has previously made it clear that noise pollution regulations are not restricted to Ganeshotsav and apply to public processions and festivals across religions throughout the year.
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