Diljit Dosanjh concert exceeded noise limit: Chandigarh admin to Punjab and Haryana High Court

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Wednesday was informed that the noise levels at singer Diljit Dosanjh's recent concert in Chandigarh exceeded the limits prescribed under Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules..The submission was made by the Chandigarh administration before a Division Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Anil Kshetarpal during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) plea that sought traffic management, crowd control and security measures for Dosanjh's concert."During the musical event of performer Diljit Dosanjh held on 14.10.2024, the noise levels were monitored at various locations and it was observed that the nose level exceeded the limits prescribed under The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, the 2000. Accordingly, action under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 has been proposed," the Chandigarh administration said in an affidavit filed before the Court..Last week, the Court had permitted Dosanjh to go ahead with his concert in Chandigarh on December 14, while directing the organizers to abide by the Noise Pollution (Control and Regulation) Rules."Looking at the preparations made by the official respondents as well as the private respondents, this Court has no hesitation in allowing the event from taking place subject to ambient air quality standards in respect of noise being maintained at the boundary of place where the event is being held, to a maximum of 75db," the Court had ordered at the time.It further directed authorities to take penal action against the organizers in case the noise levels increased beyond 75 decibels..The order was passed on a PIL moved by a Chandigarh-based advocate Ranjeet Singh who sought to restrain the organizers from going ahead with the event without adequate safety measures.The petitioner alleged that singer Karan Aujla’s concert at the same venue recently caused widespread disruption due to traffic jam."The authorities and organizers failed to plan adequately for managing traffic, controlling noise levels, and ensuring the smooth functioning of emergency services, thereby violating citizens' fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution," the plea stated..It added that Dosanjh's concert at same venue in Sector 34 raises concerns that people will again be made to face similar issues."Sector 34 is in the heart of the UT Chandigarh, and adjoin sector 32 where all the medical and health services are there, and emergency health services need to pass sector 34, further the concert are continuously going to take place at same venue and after artist Karan Aujala on 7.12.2024 now artist Diljit Dosanjh is performing at same venue on 14.12.2024, and further AP Dhillion is going to perform at same venue on 21.12.2024," the petitioner had submitted..The Court today adjourned the matter to January for further consideration..Senior Advocate Amit Jhanji and advocate Abhinav Sood represented Chandigarh Administration. Senior Advocate Akshay Bhan appeared for the concert organizers.