HC Pulls Up State Govt Over Noise Pollution, Seeks Swift Implementation of Law Amendments
Raipur
The Chhattisgarh High Court on Tuesday directed the state government to expedite amendments to the Kolahal Adhiniyam, 1985 (Noise Control Act) and the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 to curb rising noise pollution caused by DJs and sound systems, particularly during festivals.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice B.D. Guru was informed by the state that a committee set up in January 2025 had recommended key changes after reviewing existing laws. The panel submitted its report on August 13, 2025, and the State Law Department as well as the Environment Protection Board endorsed the proposed amendments. The matter is now pending with the government for approval.
The court stressed that the proposals must be implemented without delay so that the public can be protected from the harmful effects of excessive noise. The next hearing is scheduled for September 22.
The issue first came under judicial scrutiny after incidents during festivals two years ago, when a child reportedly lost his life due to excessive DJ noise and residents of Bilaspur’s Kilaward area were forced to leave their homes temporarily. Taking suo motu cognisance, the High Court had sought an affidavit from the Chief Secretary.
During the hearing, ENT specialist Dr. Rakesh Gupta of Raipur intervened, citing reports from NIT Raipur and AIIMS, which confirm that noise levels above 50 decibels cause serious harm to human health. He highlighted that during recent festivals, sound levels from DJs ranged between 95 and 110 decibels—nearly double the permissible limit.
While the state informed the court that police had registered FIRs and seized DJ equipment in several cases, the bench questioned why such large-scale violations were allowed to occur. Chief Justice Sinha remarked that frequent defiance of law indicates weakness in enforcement.
He also expressed concern over citizens obstructing police action, saying it was unfortunate that people who break the law later protest by blocking roads and demand compensation after accidents. “This situation is intolerable. Citizens must cooperate in following the law,” the bench observed.
