Gujarat High Court warns state, police over noise pollution, threatens contempt action

The Gujarat High Court has warned the state government and police authorities over rising noise pollution and said strict compliance is required, failing which contempt proceedings may be initiated.

The observation came during the hearing of a contempt petition filed by advocate Amit Panchal, who raised concerns over unchecked noise pollution in Ahmedabad and other parts of Gujarat.

Court cites 2014 notification on police responsibility

A bench comprising Justices Bhargav D Karia and L S Pirzada referred to a state government notification dated April 1, 2014. The notification states that if no action is taken against noise pollution between 10 pm and 6 am, the police control room (PCR) in-charge and concerned police officials will be held directly responsible.

Supreme Court guidelines and repeated notifications

The court noted that despite clear directions issued by the Supreme Court of India, as well as multiple state government notifications over the years including in 2020, 2024 and 2025 implementation on the ground remains weak.

The bench observed that regulatory instructions exist on paper but are not being effectively enforced by authorities.

Enforcement lapses and DJ permissions

The court also criticised authorities for allegedly granting permissions for loudspeakers and DJ systems without adequate checks, resulting in repeated violations of noise pollution norms.

It was noted that such permissions, in several cases, appear to be granted despite regulatory restrictions, contributing to ongoing disturbances.

Mandatory sound limiters and seizure rules

As per existing rules, sound limiters are mandatory for music systems and DJ setups. The use of such systems without limiters is prohibited.

The court also recorded that equipment used in violation of these norms is liable to be seized. However, it observed that these provisions are rarely enforced effectively.

Warning of contempt proceedings

The High Court made it clear that continued non-compliance and failure to act against illegal sound systems may lead to contempt of court proceedings against responsible officials.

Terming the ongoing violations despite Supreme Court guidelines issued nearly two decades ago—as “concerning”, the bench emphasised the need for stricter ground-level enforcement to curb noise pollution.