Patna: The Patna High Court has issued a set of statewide directions to curb noise pollution caused by DJs, high-decibel loudspeakers and pressure horns, directing district and police authorities to strictly enforce existing regulations.
A single-judge bench of Justice Rajiv Roy issued the directions while concluding the hearing of a contempt petition. The court directed all district magistrates, superintendents of police, sub-divisional officers and station house officers across Bihar to ensure compliance with the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, and the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Representing the state government, Government Pleader (GP-2) Prashant Pratap assured the court that the order would be circulated among administrative and police officials for immediate implementation.
The court also commended Pratap’s efforts in facilitating compliance with its directions in the matter.
No loudspeakers after 9.55pm
Under the court’s directions, DJ operators, loudspeaker owners and managers of marriage and banquet halls must not operate loudspeakers or sound systems after 9.55pm.
Noise levels must also remain within prescribed decibel limits during permitted hours.
Pressure horns face enforcement action
The court expressed concern over the use of pressure horns and their impact on road safety and public convenience.
Police officials have been directed to issue challans under section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 against vehicles using pressure horns.
The court cited enforcement in Pothia in Katihar district, where fines totalling Rs 1.10 lakh were collected in a week, as an example of the potential impact of such action.
Silence zones near hospitals and schools
The court has also directed authorities to ensure silence around hospitals and educational institutions, with restrictions on DJs and vehicle horns in such areas.
Prominent “Silence Zone” and “No Horn/No Loudspeaker” signboards are to be installed near these institutions.
DJ and sound-system operators must register
The court has made registration mandatory for DJ operators, marriage hall owners and sound-system operators.
They will be required to register with the local SDO, with a copy of the registration to be submitted to the concerned police station.
Sound monitoring systems ordered
The Bihar State Pollution Control Board has been directed to install sound-monitoring systems and digital display boards at public places to improve awareness about noise pollution and prescribed limits.
For coordination between departments, the High Court office has also been directed to send copies of the order to the Transport Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary of the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department.
The directions place responsibility on district administrations, police authorities and regulatory agencies to ensure that restrictions on excessive noise are enforced across Bihar.
