Prevent use of loudspeakers at night: Karnataka High Court directs State

The Karnataka High Court on Friday asked the State government and authorities to prevent the use of loudspeakers, public address system and other musical instruments producing sound above permissible decibels during the night [Ramesh P v State of Karnataka]..A bench of Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi and Justice Ashok S Kinagi was informed by the authorities that loudspeakers and public address system were not permitted during night hours, but despite this, were being used in religious places, pubs and restaurants. "Respondent Nos.1 to 8 shall carry out a drive to prevent such misuse of the loudspeakers and the public address system", the court directed. .The Court was hearing a plea seeking seizure and confiscation of loudspeakers, amplifiers and such other equipment operating in religious places in violation of Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 [Rules]..The Court, on the previous occasion, had sought a clarification from the State in response to allegations that permanent licences were being granted for the use of loudspeakers in mosques by the police authorities. In response to this query, the Court was informed that no permanent licence for the use of loudspeakers, and public address systems had been issued..Further, the respondents informed the court that loudspeakers could only be used under special circumstances for a limited duration during night hours between 10 pm to 12 midnight. "Except in the special circumstances where permission can be granted for the use of loudspeakers and public address system during night hours between 10 pm to 12 midnight on or during any cultural, religious or festive occasion of a limited duration not exceeding fifteen days in all during a calendar year.".Therefore, the bench found that this clearly meant that loudspeakers and public address systems could not be used at night.On being informed that religious places such as temples, mosques, gurudwaras and churches including the temples controlled by the government as well as pubs and restaurants were in contravention of these guidelines, the Court directed the State to take appropriate action. .The case was listed after three weeks, and the government was asked to submit an action taken report.