[Noise pollution at religious places] "If you are targeting only one religion, it shows lack of bonafides:" Karnataka High Court

The Karnataka High Court on Friday said that targeting only one religion with regard to illegal use of amplifiers and loudspeakers at religious places cannot be permitted. .A Division Bench of Chief Justice Abhay Shreeeniwas Oka and Justice Suraj Govindaraj orally observed that such selective attack was evidence of lack of bona fides. "These violations cannot be from only one religion. If you are only targeting one religion, then that will show lack of bonafide on your part."The Court was hearing a plea seeking action against illegal usage of amplifiers and loudspeakers in religious places in violation of the Noise Pollution Rules, 2000. Responding to the Court's remark, the petitioner Advocate BN Jagadeesha replied, "I have (also) pointed out violations in Hindu religious institutions. The plea filed was filed to curb usage of loudspeakers by religious institutions." "That must be reflected from your conduct", the Court interjected. .The petitioner then proceeded to show various instances of religious institutions violating noise pollution rules. .Issue directions to curb noise pollution in religious places: Karnataka High Court to State government.During the hearing, the Court was informed by the State government that the Assistant Commissioner of police is an officer authorised under section 19(a) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to take action. The Court then directed the State to place on record a circular to this effect. As the Court was not told about the number of decibel metres available with the Police, the Court directed the Commissioner of Police to furnish such details. ."Acted like Postman:" Karnataka High Court on Pollution Control Board not registering complaints about noise pollution at religious places.In April, the Court had taken strong exception to the manner in which the a Senior Officer of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) had dealt with grievances on noise pollution at religious places, stating that the Board acted "like a postman" while handling such complaints.In that order, the Court had directed the chairperson of Karnataka Pollution Control Board to look into the role played by the Senior Environmental Officer and to file an affidavit in this regard. However, the Court had observed that this affidavit has not yet been filed by the chairperson.The Court then proceeded to grant two more weeks to the chairperson to file the affidavit failing which proceedings would be initiated for civil contempt. The matter will be heard again on July 30.