State govt defends ban on DJ, Dolby systems

Mumbai: Defending the ban on the use of DJ and high-decibel audio systems, the state government on Wednesday told the Bombay high court that such sound systems during Ganesh and Navratri festivals could not be allowed. The court has res-erved its verdict on the plea filed by the Professional Audio and Lighting Association challenging the ban.

During the previous hearing, a bench of Justices Shantanu Kemkar and Sarang Kotwal had directed the state government to file an affidavit, explaining its policy, which warranted such a blanket ban. The bench then refused to grant any interim relief to the petitioner.  Accordingly, on Wednesday, Advocate General Ashutosh Kumbhak-oni told the court that the moment a DJ or Dolby system is switched on, the noise level is over 100 decibels, which exceeds the maximum permissible limit under the Noise Pollution Rules, 2000.

The maximum noise levels permissible under the rules for various areas range between 50 and 75 decibels during the day and between 40 and 70 decibels at night.

He informed the bench that, according to the sta-te’s records, 75 per cent of noise violations across state last year were caused due to the use of such audio systems.

The petitioner claimed that there was no provision for a blanket ban on such systems under the 2000 Rules. It alleged that the authorities were taking action against any person found in possession of a DJ system, without measuring the actual noise level.

Mr Kumbhakoni told the court that while there were no specific regulations to issue a blanket ban, the regulatory provisions of the rules were adequate to allow such a ban.

“The rules mandate that ambient noise levels must be maintained at public places. So, that means the use of DJ, Dolby, or any such high-volume audio systems cannot be allowed,” he said.

“These instruments are used for amplifying sound levels. So, if their use is not allowed, why should we permit anyone to bring such systems out?” Mr Kumbhakoni asked.