Latest news with #NoisePollutionRules
Hindustan Times
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Removed 343 loudspeakers from religious structures across Maharashtra: State to HC
MUMBAI: The Bombay high court on Tuesday disposed of a petition filed by a Navi Mumbai-based social activist, seeking a contempt action against the state government for its non-compliance with a 2016 order about the installation of illegal loudspeakers on religious shrines across the state. The government has already taken substantial steps to curb noise pollution, said the bench of chief justice Alok Aradhe and justice Sandeep Marne, adding that there was no requirement to initiate a contempt action against the concerned government officials by the petition filed by Santosh Pachlag. An RTI response stated that there were 2,940 speakers on religious structures in the state. The court orders came after it noticed an affidavit by the Director General of Police (DGP), Rashmi Shukla, stating that 2,812 loudspeakers were functioning across the state by various religious structures as of April 2025. Out of these, the authorities have removed 343 loudspeakers. They provided licenses and permissions for 831 loudspeakers. The police sent warning notices to 767 structures, which then did not exceed the permissible noise decibel limits. Apart from these, the police have registered 19 First Information Reports in cases of violations. In January 2025, Pachlag's advocate, Deendayal Dhanure, told the court that based on an RTI response Pachlag received in 2019, the government was aware of at least 2,940 illegal loudspeakers. He added that in an August 2016 judgement, the court had issued 37 directions dealing with noise pollution. The judgement also observed that there were provisions to send violators of the Noise Pollution Rules to jail for five years (seven in case of continuous contravention) or fine them up to ₹1 lakh. However, the court noted there was a lack of enforcement of the said provisions. In the same judgement, it recalled the committee, headed by Justice Sujata Manohar, that detailed various health hazards caused by the use of loudspeakers. In January, the Supreme Court also observed that noise can disturb sleep and communication, damage hearing, and evoke gynaecological and pathological reactions, he said. It noted that the police commissioner, deputy police commissioner, and assistant police commissioners were the authority under the Noise Rules. If loudspeakers exceed the ambient noise standard by 10 decibels, any person can file a complaint with the authorities. The authorities are bound to take appropriate actions against the violator. The government pleader, Neha Bhide, informed the court that a state-appointed nodal officer of the rank of Inspector General of Police supervises actions taken against the illegal loudspeakers. Finding the actions to be 'satisfactory,' the division bench observed that the government has complied with the directives issued in 2016, with no case of wilful disobedience. 'It is evident that the authorities have substantially complied with the order. Hence, no contempt is made out and the contempt petition is disposed of,' the court said.
Indian Express
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Authorities made earnest efforts to curb illegal loudspeakers at religious places: HC disposes contempt plea against govt
The Bombay High Court on Tuesday noted that Maharashtra police authorities have made earnest efforts to comply with HC directives in 2016 against 'illegal' installation of loudspeakers at religious places and there was no need to initiate contempt action. A bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep V Marne was hearing a contempt plea by one Santosh Pachlag alleging non-compliance of 2016 directives to enforce the Noise Pollution Rules, 2000. The HC disposed of contempt plea after perusing that there was no wilful disobedience of the same as the police authorities had initiated action against errants. The HC perused the March 2025 affidavit filed by Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla, which stated that of the 2,940 illegal loudspeakers mentioned by the petitioner, the authorities have removed 343 loudspeakers, 831 were granted permission after due examination while notices under Section 149 of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) were issued to 767 institutions using speakers. Further, five cases were referred to Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) for taking action against such loudspeakers and FIRs were registered with respect to 19 loudspeakers. Moreover, an Inspector General of Police has been appointed to monitor 49 units across state to ensure compliance of noise pollution norms. 'Thus from the stand taken by the respondents, it is evident that the respondent authorities have substantially complied with the directions contained in the order. In any case, no case for willful disobedience of the orders passed by this court is made out as they have made an earnest effort to comply with the directions,' the bench noted in the order. 'In the facts and circumstances of the case, we are not inclined to push it further with the contempt petition. However, in case the grievance of the petitioner still survives, he is granted the liberty to approach the nodal officer appointed by the state government. With this, contempt petition is disposed of,' the HC held.
The Print
08-07-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Efforts made to curb illegal loudspeakers at religious structures: HC; no contempt action on govt
The court referred to an affidavit submitted earlier by Maharashtra Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla that said 2,812 loudspeakers were in use by various religious structures as of April this year. A bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne disposed of a 2018 petition filed by social activist Santosh Pachlag, seeking contempt action against the government for not complying with an August 2016 order of the HC on illegal loudspeakers violating the Noise Pollution Rules. Mumbai, Jul 8 (PTI) The Bombay High Court on Tuesday said the Maharashtra government has made substantial and earnest efforts against illegal loudspeakers at religious structures and hence, there was no need to initiate any contempt action. Out of these, 343 were removed and 831 loudspeakers were given license and permission. Notices were issued to 767 structures warning them to not exceed the noise decibel limits and FIRs were lodged in 19 cases. Government pleader Neha Bhide told the court that a nodal officer of the rank of Inspector General of Police has been appointed to monitor the action taken against such illegal loudspeakers. The bench said it was 'satisfied' that the HC's 2016 directives have been complied with. 'It is evident that the authorities have substantially complied with the order. No case for wilful disobedience of directions of this court is made out as the authorities have made an earnest effort to comply with the order,' the HC said. Hence, no contempt is made out and the contempt petition is disposed of, the court said. PTI SP GK This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Bombay high court seeks police reply after five mosques file petition against action on loudspeakers
Mumbai: The Bombay high court on Tuesday issued notice to the state and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board on a petition filed by five mosques against police crackdown on loudspeakers. Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Milind Sathaye directed that the police authorities file a reply along with relevant records and posted the next hearing for July 9. Senior advocate Yusuf Muchhala and advocate Mubin Solkar, representing the petitioners, argued that action was being taken only against mosques. The petitions, filed through authorised representatives, expressed concern that worshippers were being affected by the police, who were allegedly targeting masjids, dargahs, and other places of worship within the Muslim community across Mumbai. Notices regarding alleged violations of the Noise Pollution Rules, 2000, were issued without providing specifics of the date and time of the alleged violations or the measurement of decibels at the time. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai These notices were used as a basis for follow-up actions, such as imposing arbitrary fines, terminating existing licences, refusing to renew licences, and forcibly seizing or removing loudspeakers. The petition claimed that the police department was acting under the influence of vested political interests by issuing such arbitrary notices. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The petition stated that the azaan is an important part of Islam and that the use of loudspeakers to call people for prayer is a necessity in Mumbai. It argued that this practice cannot be curtailed when performed within the prescribed limits of the rules, as it would violate the fundamental rights of Muslims. The petition urged the HC to set aside the notices and restrain the police authorities from taking coercive action against the petitioners and their trustees, managers, or mutawalli, including the removal of loudspeakers without following the procedure prescribed by law. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Time of India
City's DJ Levels Now Comparable To Jet Engines
Bhopal: In Bhopal, amplified DJ music on the streets has reached alarming levels comparable to jet engine noise, with operators blatantly disregarding all regulations, judicial directives and law enforcement. Law enforcement's response has been ineffective, with some even calling cops passive observers as DJ violations go unchecked on the city's roads and localities. Exposure to jet engine noise at 140 dB+ causes immediate hearing damage. Amplified DJ sound at 100 dB can trigger temporary hearing issues within 15 minutes, while levels around 120 dB, common on Bhopal streets, risk permanent auditory harm. The Noise Pollution Rules of 2000 stipulate residential area limits of 55 dB during daytime and 45 dB at night. At New Market on Saturday, measurements showed a DJ system at 112 dB. The equipment took three hours to traverse 500 metres before returning. The intensity caused structural vibrations in homes, making emergency calls to Dial 100 difficult to hear. TOI even reported the 112-decibel violation to Bhopal Police Commissioner Harinarayanachari Mishra. Following a previous incident last year, where a minor died near Arera Hills slums, Mishra had encouraged public reporting using decibel metres. Despite one van being impounded, local officers showed minimal concern, suggesting the operator would resume after paying court penalties. When questioned about unregistered modified vehicles, an officer claimed legislative changes were necessary. While individual officers may lack awareness, the Supreme Court has endorsed the Noise Pollution Rules, requiring written authorisation for loudspeaker usage. Health professionals acknowledge that while urban noise is sometimes unavoidable, protective measures can minimise hearing impairment risks. "Whether in affluent areas or slums, amplified DJ noise affects everyone. Police remain passive observers. Even after complaints, DJs are back on the streets, return to disturb even more," stated an anonymous businessman.
