Gujarat High Court Orders Night Checks on Loudspeaker Noise as Navratri Garba Venues Violate Silent Zone Limits

The Gujarat High Court directed government authorities and the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) to enforce strict noise limits near hospitals during Navratri, warning that GPCB officials must appear in person if compliance reports submitted within three days prove unsatisfactory.

Hearing a petition highlighting widespread noise pollution in designated silent zones across Ahmedabad and other parts of Gujarat, the court expressed sharp concern over garba organisers running high-decibel sound systems past midnight near healthcare facilities.

High Court Rejects Soft Stance on Silent Zone Violations

Addressing state assurances regarding noise monitoring, the division bench made it clear that even low-decibel amplification remains unacceptable within silent zones near hospitals. The petitioner pointed out that at least 38 hospitals sit in close proximity to major garba venues where loudspeakers routinely blare well beyond permissible limits.

While the state government filed an affidavit claiming that surprise inspections recorded maximum noise levels of 80 decibels—and that police halted events exceeding limits—the petitioner contested these assertions directly in court. Contrary to official statements claiming events conclude by midnight, several garba venues reportedly operate until 2:00 AM using high-capacity DJ systems and loudspeakers.

State counsel argued that traditional street garbas avoid heavy sound amplification and cited an inspection near Mamata Hospital in Veraval where noise levels registered between 58 and 60 decibels. The bench countered that physical site visits and actual decibel checks remain mandatory, stressing that public endurance levels must not be tested under the guise of festive celebrations.

GPCB Tasked with Immediate Inspection Mandate

Taking note of the petitioner's submissions, the High Court directed the citizen group to report specific high-noise instances directly to the government and GPCB for immediate action. Upon receiving any complaint, GPCB teams must reach the location without delay, take decisive enforcement measures, and stop unauthorized sound equipment.

GPCB representatives acknowledged that while noise levels frequently exceed prescribed standards, the variations remain moderate. However, the court remarked that event organisers should consider relocating sound equipment away from sensitive zones to prevent patient distress.

The court gave the state administration three days to present a comprehensive status report detailing field inspections, decibel measurements, and action taken against defaulting organisers across the state.