Punjab And Haryana HC Prohibits Use Of Loudspeakers In Religious Places Without Permission

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday (25 July) issued a slew of directions to curb the noise pollution from factories and even religious bodies in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, reports Tribune India.

The HC, among other things, banned the blowing of horn in residential areas between 10pm and 6am. It also prohibited religious places like temple, mosques and gurudwaras from using loudspeaker and public address system without permission.

The court also proscribed playing of musical instruments and amplifiers at night in the open. Besides, the police chiefs of Haryana, Chandigarh and Punjab have been directed to make sure that songs glorifying liquour, wine, drugs and violence are not played even at live shows.

The bench of Justices Rajiv Sharma and HS Sidhu also directed that nobody in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh would carry firearms to fairs, religious processions, marriage ceremonies and other public gatherings or within the boundaries of any educational institution.

The HC also ordered a blanket ban on use of loudspeakers 15 days before and during the course of annual examinations.

Further, the HC made the district magistrates (DMs), senior superintendents of police (SSPs) and the superintendents of police (SPs) personally responsible for ensuring compliance of the directions.