Justice Urmila Joshi-Phalke and Justice Raj D Wakode at the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court have directed the Commissioner of Police (CP) Vishwas Nangre Patil to take action against those violating noise pollution norms during festive processions and programmes. The Court also directed the State Government to ensure strict compliance with the Noise Pollution Rules across all districts in Vidarbha from September 11 to November 1. The directions were issued while hearing a batch of PILs concerning noise pollution and the use of high-powered sound systems. The Court noted that the Commissioner of Police had already issued a prohibitory notification under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The order covers DJ sound systems, including multi-speaker systems with top, mid and bass units, Plasma Sound Systems, Pressure-Mid Sound Systems and modified vehicles carrying such systems. According to the State’s affidavit, the systems have been prohibited from being brought into operation from September 3 to November 1.

 

Owners and operators have also been directed to keep the systems locked and sealed in their own custody. However, the Court observed that merely issuing a notification was not enough. During the hearing, the petitioner in PIL No.22 of 2025 showed the Bench a video of a Pola procession. The Court said it had checked the noise level in the video and found that it exceeded the permissible limit. “The Noise Pollution Rules have been violated. The CP and the DCP concerned shall take appropriate action,” the Court directed. The petitioner also pointed out similar violations during Dahi Handi and referred to a newspaper report published on September 5. The Court directed the CP to take cognisance of the violation and initiate action against those responsible. The Bench further directed the police to take effective steps to prevent owners of DJ systems from using them in violation of the prohibitory order. “Mere issuance of a notification is not an adequate measure,” the Court observed, stressing the need for effective enforcement. The matters have been posted for further hearing on September 22. Advs Tushar D Mandlekar, a/b G K Sharma represented the petitioner.