Bombay HC asserts loudspeaker noise control | Fusion - WeRIndia

The Bombay High Court emphasized the importance of regulating loudspeaker usage at places of worship to control noise pollution.

A bench comprising Justices A.S. Gadkari and S.C. Chandak ruled that using loudspeakers is not an essential religious practice.

The court underlined the responsibility of the police, under the Environment (Protection) Act and Noise Pollution Rules, to address such violations effectively.

The judges directed the Maharashtra government to implement measures ensuring public address systems and other sound-emitting devices used by religious institutions have built-in mechanisms to control decibel levels.

They stressed the need for police to act on complaints promptly, even if the complainants remain anonymous.

This step, the court stated, could prevent ill will or backlash against individuals reporting violations.

The court further recommended using mobile applications to measure sound levels, urging police to utilize these tools to enforce noise limits.

Repeated violations, the court noted, should lead to withdrawal of permission to use loudspeakers.

The case stemmed from a petition by the Jaago Nehru Nagar Residents Welfare Association.

Advocate Kaushik Mhatre represented the association. He highlighted excessive noise from loudspeakers used at several mosques and madrasas in Chunabhatti and Nehru Nagar, Kurla (East).

He stated that these devices operate during prohibited hours, such as 5:00 a.m., and sometimes extend to 1:30 a.m. during festivals, violating permissible limits.

The petition also accused local police of failing to take action despite ongoing violations.

The court remarked that Mumbai’s diverse population necessitates respecting laws designed to balance religious practices and public welfare.

It acknowledged the residents’ efforts to seek implementation of Supreme Court and High Court orders on noise pollution.

The judges reiterated that managing noise pollution is vital for a harmonious society.

They urged authorities to prioritize the enforcement of existing rules and protect citizens’ rights to a peaceful environment.

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