Patna High Court Orders Crackdown on Noise and Air Pollution, Criticises State Inaction
Patna High Court has directed strict enforcement of noise and air pollution norms across Bihar, criticising state authorities and the pollution control board for inaction, and warning of fines and equipment seizure for violators, while likening official indifference to Marie Antoinette’s infamous “let them eat cake” remark.
Patna: The Patna High Court has issued stringent directions to Bihar’s administrative and police officials to enforce laws curbing noise and air pollution, criticising the state pollution control board for its “paper advice” while pollution levels spiral in cities like Patna.
In a 45-page judgment delivered on Friday, Justice Rajiv Roy expressed deep displeasure at the “insensitivity” of state authorities and board officials towards the growing menace of noise pollution caused by DJs, loudspeakers, musical bands and high-pressure horns on Patna’s roads. Opening his judgment with a dramatic analogy, he wrote:
“The insensitivity of state authorities towards the suffering of the common man reminds one of Queen Marie Antoinette’s infamous remark during the French Revolution: ‘If they do not have bread to eat, why not let them eat cake?’”
During the hearing of a contempt petition, Justice Roy ordered District Magistrates, Senior Superintendents of Police and Superintendents of Police in all districts to strictly implement guidelines issued by the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB).
The court instructed that DJ sound systems must operate strictly within the prescribed decibel limits. Operators found violating noise norms will face hefty fines, and equipment may be confiscated if penalties are not paid.
In a significant move, the court directed that all hospitals, schools and colleges across Bihar be declared “no horn zones,” with prominent signage displayed to inform the public.
Justice Roy criticised the BSPCB for remaining “comfortable in air-conditioned offices, issuing only paper advice,” while neighbourhoods such as Muradpur in Patna suffer some of the highest levels of noise and air pollution in the country.
“Crowded areas including Patna Civil Court, PMCH, Gandhi Maidan and Patna Market are in utter chaos,” the court observed, lamenting the lack of enforcement of pollution norms.
The court also referenced a serious incident at Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport, where a laser beam from a DJ trolley reportedly obstructed the vision of pilots attempting to land a flight arriving from Pune.
District officials have been directed to submit detailed reports of actions taken to the BSPCB within two weeks. The matter is scheduled for further hearing thereafter.
