WB: A Retired Cop's Legal Notice on Sound Pollution at IPS Officers' Abode

Kolkata: Khaki Estate, the abode of around 130 serving and retired West Bengal IPS officers and their families in New Town, has been served a legal notice by one of its residents to curb sound pollution during the upcoming New Year's Eve celebrations.

Bibhuti Bhusan Dash, a retired IPS officer of 1987-batch who lives with his family at the housing complex, sent the notice through his lawyer to the apartment authorities on December 18, following his nightmarish experience in the past.

Referring to the violation of a Calcutta High Court order on August 7, 2023 and a West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) circular on October 17 of the same year, the notice states, “...noise pollution control norms are consistently contravened within the Khaki Estate complex. My client expresses serious concern regarding repeated disregard for necessary permissions from both the Bidhannagar Police and the WBPCB.”

It points out, “Of particular note is the frequent operation of microphones and amplifiers without the requisite 'Sound Limiter' devices as mandated by WBPCB Circular…During the recent Durga Puja and Diwali celebrations in 2025, sound levels substantially surpassed statutory limits, resulting in considerable health issues for my client, who suffers from Tinnitus, as well as his elderly mother.”

The notice also alleged while no steps were taken despite complaints by Mr Dash earlier, plans have been afoot to celebrate the New Year’s Eve with DJ sets and high-decibel sound system in the open areas of the complex against the HC order and WBPCB circular.

Calling “such conduct” an “act of contempt of court” that also “infringes upon fundamental rights”, Mr Dash further sought no use of microphone, amplifier or sound system without authorities’ permission, installation of the mandated 'Sound Limiter', complete prohibition on the use of microphones and amplifiers from 10 PM to 6 am, daytime sound levels be under the 60 dB(A) limit and no use of DJ sets and high-pitch sound boxes in open spaces in the complex.

The notice added, “Please be advised that my client will commission independent, certified assessors to verify, document and certify decibel levels during these events. Any infraction of applicable laws will prompt immediate legal proceedings, including the initiation of a Contempt Petition before the Hon'ble High Court and a formal complaint before the National Green Tribunal, for which you shall be held liable for all costs and consequences.”

The Khaki Estate authorities however refused to comment on the legal notice.