Delhi govt to reply on use of loudspeakers at religious places

The Delhi High Court today sought a response of the city government on a plea seeking a complete ban on use of un-licensed loudspeakers in shrines and mosques which allegedly affects the health of people through noise pollution.
A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw also asked the Lieutenant Governor and the Delhi Police Commissioner to explain whether there is any law which controls the increasing menace of noise pollution.
While issuing the notices to the Lieutenant Governor and the Delhi police Commissioner offices, it said the "authorities responsible for allowing loudspeakers at this places should file their responses before May 13".

The court's direction came during hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by two of Delhi residents who alleged that Delhi government has failed to implement the provisions of law, standing orders and circulars resulting in high level of noise pollution.
The petitioner -- Shashikant Bahl and Dr Amit Kumar -- said that the loudspeakers are operated at a very high volume early in the morning at around 4 am and continue till late at night.
They said the respondents be directed to ensure "complete ban on use of un-licensed loudspeakers in Delhi which are violating the laid down norms".

It said accountability should be fixed on the concerned officers "vested with the task to maintain ambient air quality of noise level in Delhi".
The petitioner also said that the authority concerned be asked to "take immediate steps to remove all the un-licensed loudspeakers used in Madina Masjid (Vasant Kunj area here) and also other un-licensed loudspeakers used at various shrines, mosques, temples in Delhi."
It said that despite having various provisions of law and the various circulars and offices orders issued by respondents from time to time, no heed is being given by the authorities concerned and no action has been taken by them to check the rising noise pollution levels in Delhi.