Nagpur HC bans DJs, laser lights and firecrackers on public roads

The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has passed a major order on noise and air pollution caused by DJ music, laser-beam lights and firecrackers on roads during festivals and processions in Nagpur district. A bench of Justice Urmila Joshi Phalke and Justice Raj Wakode has imposed a complete ban on the use of DJs, sound systems, laser-beam lights and firecrackers at public places.

The court made clear that if these rules are violated, the deputy commissioner of police, assistant commissioner of police and junior police officers of the concerned area will be held directly responsible. At Wednesday's hearing, the court also ordered the commissioner of police to issue a formal notification on the matter.

During the hearing, the bench referred to the strict approach earlier taken by another bench of the High Court on noise pollution and directed that the rules be strictly enforced. The court asked for direct legal action against DJ owners and organising committees, and made clear that no laxity or confusion would be tolerated in the matter.

The court said that the high-intensity laser and beam lights used in processions are causing serious harm to people's health. It also came to light during the hearing that a child lost his hearing due to extremely loud DJ noise, while several people have suffered eye damage from intense laser beams. Justice Urmila Joshi Phalke and Justice Raj Wakode said that along with legal action, every citizen must also fulfil their social responsibility in preventing noise and air pollution.

During the same hearing, advocate Atharva Khadse, a resident of Bajiprabhu Nagar in Nagpur's Ramnagar area, filed a separate application. He alleged that a construction company runs heavy machinery, drilling machines, concrete mixers and cutters even after 10 pm, disturbing the sleep and health of nearby residents.

Khadse told the court that when local police were complained to, they were told to call 112 and the matter was brushed aside without any concrete action. In the case, advocate Anand Parchure appeared as amicus, advocates Ashutosh Dharmadhikari and Tushar Mandlekar appeared for the petitioners, advocate Abdul Subhan appeared as court commissioner, and advocates Kartik Shukul, Shishir Uke and Nitin Rao appeared for the central and state governments.