HC makes security deposit mandatory for DJ, loudspeaker use at events

The Bombay High Court has issued a major order to curb sound pollution during festivals, cultural events and public gatherings in the state. The court said that before granting permission for loudspeakers at any cultural event or festival, the organising mandal concerned must deposit a sum of Rs 1 lakh as security.

The condition is not limited to public mandals alone. If an individual seeks permission to use a loudspeaker or DJ system privately, they too will have to pay a deposit of Rs 50,000. The order has come as a significant setback to those who play loudspeakers without valid reason or in violation of rules.

As per the court's directions, the administration will fix a decibel limit while granting permission for loudspeakers, and use will be allowed only within those conditions. Every organiser will be required to comply with these conditions. If a mandal or organiser breaches the prescribed noise limit, their deposit will be forfeited. In addition, legal action will be taken against such organisers under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules.

The Bombay High Court is also set to pass important orders on the use of loudspeakers in processions during religious festivals and celebrations, the bursting of firecrackers, and the use of laser lights. The hearing before the bench of Justice Girish Kulkarni and Justice Neela Gokhale is being watched closely across the state. At the hearing on Tuesday, September 22, the High Court had indicated that bursting firecrackers at public places during religious festivals and processions could be banned, and that a strict decision could also be taken on the use of laser lights.

Implementing this order will not be easy for the police and administration. Since the order has come just a day before immersion, applying the rule at the last moment amid crowds of lakhs of devotees will prove challenging. Continuous monitoring will be needed along the entire procession route to stop the use of laser lights, loudspeakers and cylinders. Alongside enforcement against violators, avoiding confrontation with festival committees and volunteers while maintaining peace will also be a major challenge for the administration.