Noisy silencers: HC seeks details of multiple offenders

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 19

Just about a week after the Chandigarh Police were blamed for turning a deaf ear to the noise pollution caused by those riding two-wheelers with modified silencers, the Punjab and Haryana High Court called for the details of those challaned more than once for the offence on Monday.

Taking up the petition filed in public interest, the Bench also called for the record of the modified silencers’ challan from the district courts. The direction came after the Bench was told that Rs 1,000 was fixed as fine for the modified silencers. But the offenders were getting the challans settled at lower rates from the district courts.

The Bench, during the course of hearing, was told that din-creating silencers were not manufactured in Chandigarh and offenders were also from Punjab and Haryana.

The Administration also furnished before the Court the details of challans issued to 39 offenders. The information given to the Bench made it clear that a fine of just Rs 200 had been imposed on them.

The police, on the previous date of hearing, had apprised the Court of its efforts by submitting an affidavit. Among other things, it said 778 challans were issued last year for noise pollution due to silencers and loud music. So far this year, 690 challans have been issued. At least 71 motorcycles had been impounded. The Bench was also told that mechanics and shopkeepers involved in the modification of silencers, in and around Chandigarh, had been identified

The developments took place on a petition against those riding two-wheelers with silencers removed or modified. Taking up the petition filed in public interest against the UT Administration and other respondents, the High Court had called for the details of challans and vehicles impounded on the previous date of hearing.

The petitioner, a Chandigarh resident, had earlier submitted before the High Court that the bikers were openly flouting traffic norms by removing or modifying bike silencers to produce a jarring noise. It was not only scaring the passers-by, but also creating noise pollution The petitioner also submitted that the modified bikes were further creating noise pollution by using pressure horns.