HC nod for Sena Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park

The Shiv Sena can go ahead with its Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park on October 17, the Bombay High Court said on Monday, but will have to restrict noise levels to 50 decibels between 6 am and 10 pm.

The Shiv Sena can go ahead with its Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park on October 17, the Bombay High Court said on Monday, but will have to restrict noise levels to 50 decibels between 6 am and 10 pm.

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After 10 pm, the noise level will have to be below 40 decibels.

The Shiv Sena’s counsel VA Thorat and Pradeep Thorat told the court that they would try and abide by these restrictions, although they cannot ensure that noise levels are maintained.

Counsel argued that although the Bombay High Court had directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation in May to declare Shivaji Park a Silence Zone, the civic body is yet to notify the area as one. “The law will come into effect only after the BMC notifies Shivaji Park as a Silence Zone,” he said. Also, the fact that it is categorised as a recreational ground and not a playground, allows it be used for cultural programmes.