Chennai: The Madras high court bench said the government pleader submitted there was some proceedings even before the National Green Tribunal governing the issue.
It was also stated that if any complaint was preferred against noise pollution, action will be initiated against the organisers concerned without any deviation, as communicated to them by the DGP (through a letter dated March 28). The letter also said while permitting any programme or function, police officers were ensuring that horn type loud speakers were not used and the sound was within the prescribed decibel level and any deviation in this will lead to registration of case and seizure of the particular horn type speaker.
On the other hand, petitioner's counsel has now given specific examples of at least 44 places where horn type speakers were being used and decibel levels were being crossed. Unfortunately, they all relate to religious places of different religions.
It appears that these institutions perceive that blessing of God cannot be obtained unless there was loud noise. The prayers for all religions have been going on from ancient time even when electricity did not exist.
"We see no reason why in view of the categorical judgment of Supreme Court (relating to noise pollution), which is now 11 years old, there should be any violation whatsoever. More than enough time has lapsed for implementation. The respondents (authorities) are directed to immediately carry out inspection of all these places and ensure compliance with what they have stated in their letter dated March 28, 2016 and file the compliance report before court. List for further proceedings on April 28," the court said.
