Gujarat HC slams authorities over noise pollution, seeks strict compliance

Despite the Supreme Court’s 2005 decision to restrain noise pollution and the Gujarat Pollution Control Board’s (GPCB) noise pollution control regulations, noise pollution in public areas in Gujarat remains uncontrolled.

Court Expresses Sharp Displeasure

The Gujarat High Court on Monday came down heavily on state authorities for failing to curb noise pollution despite clear directives from the Supreme Court and official guidelines. A bench of Justice A.S. Supehia and Justice L.S. Pirzada expressed serious displeasure while hearing a contempt petition, remarking that it was “unfortunate” if police remained inactive even when DJ towers as high as 20 feet blasted intolerable sound levels.

“The deafening nuisance of DJs can split your head open; it is intolerable,” the bench observed.

Strict Orders to Police and Government

The High Court instructed police and concerned agencies to take strict action against violators and reiterated that unchecked noise pollution has a direct impact on public health and well-being. The state government and Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) informed the court that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) had been issued, including:

• Ban on DJs and loudspeakers between 10 pm and 6 am
• Permission only by a DySP-level officer
• Noise levels capped at 75 decibels and no more than 10 decibels above ambient noise
• Mandatory sound limiters on systems
• Seizure of equipment if limits are breached

The rules also prohibit loudspeakers near hospitals, schools, and courts and require prior police permission seven days in advance.

Petitioner Flags Rampant Violations

The petitioner argued that DJ sound levels often reach 129 decibels or more, posing risks to patients, children, and the elderly. Despite rules requiring DySP approval, Police Inspectors had allegedly issued over 200 permissions in a single year. It was also pointed out that monitoring mechanisms for decibel levels and enforcement are virtually absent.

Court Questions Ground Reality

The bench questioned why, despite SOPs, noise pollution remains uncontrolled across Gujarat. It cited media reports of DJ-related disputes and remarked that permissions may even be granted by lower-level staff. “If even 25% of the SOP is implemented, it would be significant. On the ground, there is open violation,” the judges said.

The contempt petition emphasised that despite the Supreme Court’s 2005 ruling and multiple notifications, authorities have failed to act, warranting strict proceedings under Article 215 of the Constitution.