Patna: The Patna High Court has sharply criticised police officials for failing to effectively implement its directions to curb noise pollution, expressing dissatisfaction with the action taken by several police stations across Bihar.
Hearing a petition filed by Surendra Prasad, Justice Rajiv Roy questioned the adequacy of the measures adopted by local police to enforce noise control regulations.
Senior Advocate Ajay, appearing as amicus curiae, assisted the court, while Government Counsel Prashant Pratap represented the State.
Court Finds Deficiencies In Police Affidavits
During the hearing, the court identified significant shortcomings in affidavits submitted by the Station House Officers (SHOs) of Buddha Colony, Pothia (Katihar) and Rajiv Nagar police stations.
The SHO of Pothia appeared before the court in person. After the State assured the Bench that the officer would ensure full compliance with the court’s directions, Justice Roy instructed the SHO to obtain written undertakings from all marriage halls in the jurisdiction and take concrete measures to prevent noise pollution.
The court was particularly critical of the affidavit filed by the Buddha Colony SHO, observing that written undertakings had not been obtained from all marriage halls despite earlier directions.
Concerns Over Modified Silencers And Late-Night Loudspeakers
Lawyers appearing in the case also drew the court’s attention to persistent violations in Patna.
The Bench referred to complaints from the Hospital India Road area, where motorcycles fitted with modified silencers were allegedly causing excessive noise pollution.
Concerns were also raised about the continued use of loudspeakers late into the night in areas including Mandiri, with allegations that local police had failed to intervene.
Similar deficiencies were highlighted in the affidavit submitted by the Rajiv Nagar SHO, where lawyers alleged that marriage halls continued to use loudspeakers beyond the permissible hours.
Next Hearing In A Week
Directing police officials to strictly enforce noise pollution norms, the High Court instructed them to obtain mandatory written undertakings from all marriage halls and event venues within their jurisdictions.
The matter has been listed for further hearing after one week, when the court is expected to review the progress made in implementing its directions.
