Ensure protection of noise pollution complainants' identities: HC

The Bombay High Court today directed the Maharashtra government to scrupulously follow its direction to protect the identities of people lodging complaints of noise pollution.

A division bench of Justices A S Oka and Riyaz Chagla was hearing a bunch of petitions seeking strict implementation of the Noise Pollution Rules.

The bench, in its August 2016 judgement, had passed several directions on the issue which included setting up of a grievance redressal mechanism. It had also asked the authorities concerned to ensure that the identity of the complainant was protected.

However, during the last hearing, the bench was informed by the lawyer of a petitioner, who had lodged a complaint at the suburban Sion police station, that his name and phone number had been revealed in response to an RTI query.

Irked with this, the high court today said the government would have to work out the modalities to ensure protection of the complainant.

"If there is no protection then the common man will not file complaint. This will just discourage people," said Justice Oka.

The high court said either the state home department or the office of the Director General of Police (DGP) would have to step in to ensure that such breaches do not occur and that enough steps are taken to protect the identity of the complainants.

The matter is posted for further hearing next week.