Defending the ban on the use of disc jockeys (DJs) and Dolby sound systems during Ganapati immersion, the State government told the Bombay High Court on Wednesday these were the major source of noise pollution during festivals.
A Division Bench of Justices S.S. Kemkar and S.V. Kotwal was hearing a petition filed by the Professional Audio & Lighting Association, which has 1,400 members who own sound and light rental agencies in the State, besides employees associated with sound systems. They have challenged the circular issued by the Home Ministry and the directions issued by the police that have put a blanket ban on the use of DJs and Dolby sound systems.
The circular and the orders passed by the police say that DJs are a source of sound pollution. The police have refused to issue licences for them on the ground that their activity is prohibited under the orders of the Bombay High Court and Supreme Court.
Advocate General (AG) Ashutosh Kumbhakoni told the court that during festivals last year, 75% of noise pollution violations were committed by DJs and Dolby sound systems. He said as soon as a DJ starts playing or a Dolby system is switched on, the noise level crosses 100 decibels. The maximum permissible limit under the Noise Pollution rules is between 50 and 75 decibels during the day and between 40 and 70 decibels at night.
The AG also told the court that the rules mandate that ambient noise levels must be maintained at public places, even during festivals. That means the use of DJs, Dolby systems or any such high-volume audio systems cannot be allowed. “These instruments are used for amplifying sound levels. So, if their use is not allowed then why should we permit anyone to bring them out on the roads or at the pandals?” he said. The court has reserved the judgment in the case.
