“Festivals will continue to come but the problem of noise pollution cannot be ignored”, says Bombay High Court

Taking into the consideration the increase in noise pollution across the state, Bombay High Court refuses to lift the ban on DJs, loudspeakers during festivals.

A petition was filed by Professional Audio and Lighting Association, owners of sound and light rental companies, seeking to declare that there is no prohibition/ban on use of sound system/DJ system in Maharashtra. While hearing the petition, Bombay HC said, “festivals will continue to come but the problem of noise pollution cannot be ignored.” 

The petitioners are also seeking guidelines and regulations, within the ambit of which the use of sound systems shall be permissible.

HC announced a complete ban on the use of DJ or sound systems during Ganpati Visarjan (immersion) because of the increasing noise pollution. 

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In last hearing, defending the ban on use of such sound systems during Ganesh and Navratri festivals, Advocate General Ashutosh Kumbhakoni told the court that, “the moment a DJ or Dolby system is switched on, the noise level is over 100 decibels, way above the ambient level or the maximum permissible limit under the Noise Pollution Rules-2000. The maximum noise levels permissible under the rules for various areas range between 50 and 75 decibels during the day and between 40 and 70 decibels at night.”

Talking to Republic TV Advocate Kumbhakoni said, ”The rules mandate that ambient noise levels must be maintained at public places even during festivals. So, that means the use of DJ, Dolby, or any such high volume audio systems cannot be allowed,” he said. “These instruments are used for amplifying sound levels. So, if their use is not allowed then why should we permit anyone to bring such music systems out on roads or at the pandals.”

The ban was ordered by the state government. The state invoked Section 4 of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, while issuing the ban. As per the rules, violators will be issued with a notice and will directly be charge-sheeted. However, there will be no arrest at the time.

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