HC: Noise pollution norms do not impose blanket ban on speakers

MUMBAI: Observing that noise pollution regulations do not impose a blanket ban on the use of loudspeakers and that they “only prescribe limits” on the sound generated,

MUMBAI: Observing that noise pollution regulations do not impose a blanket ban on the use of loudspeakers and that they “only prescribe limits” on the sound generated, the Bombay high court on Friday allowed a residential society in Mumbai to use loudspeakers for Navratri celebrations, even though there is a hospital located just 94m away.

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The Supreme Court had prohibited the use of loudspeakers at places located within 100m of a hospital, school, court or religious place.

The court imposed upon the society the condition that the loudspeakers will be used only within an enclosed space such as a closed hall or basement and only between 5.30pm. and 10.30pm. It directed the society to ensure that the occupants of neighbouring buildings are not inconvenienced.

A division bench of the high court was hearing a petition filed by a Vikhroli society. The residents said they had been organising Navratri celebrations in the basement of their building for years after seeking the police’s permission. They said they use loudspeakers inside the enclosed space without sound-amplifying devices and none of their neighbours have ever complained. However, the police denied them permission to do the same this year.

The state, through Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh argued that it is impossible to control “the use of loudspeakers once they are permitted.” Singh said that according to previous HC orders, “use of loudspeakers, amplifiers and carrying out processions or holding mega events, cultural programmes cannot bean integral part of the right to freedom of religion.”

The court said since the petitioners restrict the loudspeakers to their basement and have a No-Objection Certificate from the hospital, their request is allowed.