Gujarat High Court has issued a stern order to the state government and police, demanding stricter enforcement of noise pollution regulations. The court’s order comes in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) highlighting the continued use of DJ trucks, loudspeakers, and musical instruments exceeding permissible sound limits during events and celebrations.

The PIL pointed out several concerning practices, including the lack of prescribed sound limits on sound systems, with DJ music often exceeding the 65 decibel (dB) limit.

It also raised the issue of illegally modified vehicles being used as DJ trucks, a clear violation of Regional Transport Office (RTO) regulations.

Expressing disappointment at the authorities’ enforcement approach, the two-judge bench consisting of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Aniruddha P Mayee directed the government to issue a notification mandating stricter adherence to the 2019 Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) notification on noise control.

The principal secretary of the home department was further directed to submit an affidavit within two weeks, indicating the authoritative progress and detailing the actions taken against noise polluters across the state.

The court also directed the state government to issue a formal notification outlining its plan to address noise pollution, alongside ensuring its effective implementation.

Additionally, the court mandated stricter enforcement of the existing GPCB notification on noise control by all relevant authorities, including the police, corporations, and municipalities.

The court also questioned the authorities’ approach of waiting for violations to occur before taking action, “Why is the government or the authorities not acting when such materials are being sold in the market? Why are they taking action only when rules are violated?”

It emphasised the need for proactive measures, including stricter regulations on the sale and use of sound systems that exceed noise limits.

The government, in response, informed the court about plans to introduce sound metering devices installed in the sound systems to regulate noise levels at the source.

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