Telangana HC Directs Govt to File Compliance Report on Loud Music During Ganesh Festivities
The court noted instances of loud sound systems being played on roads during night hours while idols were being transported for immersion.
Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Tuesday took serious note of the continued use of loud sound systems during Ganesh festivities, particularly at night while idols are being transported for immersion, and directed the home department to submit compliance reports on the implementation of its earlier directions regarding regulations.
Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar was hearing a contempt case filed by Chinnolla Damodhar Reddy and M. Srinivasa Reddy of Nirmal district, complaining of non-obedience of court orders especially in regulating noise pollution caused by sound systems and non-compliance with the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.
On August 26, 2025, the court had directed that sound systems be permitted only between 6 pm and 10 pm in accordance with the noise pollution Rules, with prescribed decibel limits to be maintained particularly in residential zones.
On Tuesday, the judge pulled up the police for not complying with the directions.
The judge directed the police and civic authorities to file a report on the implementation of the directions issued on August 26. in Writ 25355 of 2025.
As Ganesh immersion is scheduled for September 25, the court directed that a preliminary report and compliance report be filed and posted the matter on September 24 at the top of the list.
Mahesh Raje, government counsel for home, submitted that the police had taken preventive and regulatory measures.
Peace meetings were conducted with Ganesh mandal organisers, utsav committee members and masjid committee members on September 13 and 16, directing them to strictly comply with the court's orders.
The police maintained that they had remained vigilant throughout the festivities to maintain peace, public order, communal harmony and free movement of traffic and the general public.
The court noted instances brought to its attention concerning loud sound systems being played on roads during night hours while idols were being transported for immersion.
Such noise, it observed, was causing disturbance to members of the public, particularly elderly persons and those suffering from ailments.
The court recorded that the organisers appeared to be using sound systems without complying with the Noise Pollution Rules, 2000, and said the issue required "immediate attention."
