By TC News Desk
Agartala, 25th September 2024: A Division Bench of the Tripura High Court, comprising Chief Justice AK Singh and Justice Arindam Lodh, has directed the state government to strictly enforce its 2014 judgment regarding the installation of sound limiters in music systems, according to Advocate General of Tripura, Siddharth Sankar Dey.
The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Anal Roy Chowdhury, editor of the vernacular daily Pratibadi Kalam, which raised concerns over the noise pollution caused by loudspeakers and sound systems used during Puja celebrations and the associated health risks.
Advocate General Dey highlighted that the crux of the PIL was to ensure that noise pollution does not disrupt the spirit of Durga Puja celebrations. The use of sound boxes, speakers, and DJ sets—now integral to the festivities—was central to the issue.
“The High Court had already addressed this matter in its 2014 order, setting a noise limit of 65 decibels for all loud music equipment,” said Dey. “According to that ruling, any sound system producing noise beyond 65 decibels is banned, and all such equipment must be fitted with sound limiters. Without a limiter, the equipment cannot be sold, rented, or used.”
In its latest directive, the High Court bench ordered the administration to confiscate all high-noise-producing sound systems operating without limiters. The court further warned that failure to comply with this order could result in stringent consequences for the authorities involved.
Advocate Subrata Sarkar, representing the petitioner, emphasized that the 2014 ruling allowed a relaxation of the noise limits for only 15 specific days in a year, with the permissible hours extended by two hours, from 10 pm to midnight. Outside of these days, loud music is prohibited between 10 pm and 6 am. The bench has reiterated the need for strict adherence to this earlier order.
Advocate Subrata Sarkar was assisted by Assisted by Ayesha S Hirawat and K.D.Singha.
Advocate General Dey assured the court that he would promptly inform the relevant authorities about the court’s ruling and ensure compliance.
