Curbing cacophony

THE Bombay High Court has said that the use of loudspeakers is not an essential part of any religion. This is music to the ears of every Indian who is assailed by the not-so-divine din on almost a daily basis. Flagging noise as a major health hazard, the court has directed law enforcement agencies to take prompt action against owners/users of loudspeakers that breach the decibel limits. Though the case pertains to Maharashtra, the public nuisance is prevalent countrywide. Loudspeakers or public address systems are brazenly used at places of worship, sometimes without even taking permission from the authorities. Fearful of hurting religious sentiments, the police are often reluctant to take action on complaints lodged by irate citizens. At times, even aggrieved persons shy away from informing cops as they are afraid of being targeted in the neighbourhood.

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The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules were framed 25 years ago with the objective of “maintaining ambient air quality standards in respect of noise”. However, their enforcement has left a lot to be desired. Ironically, violators cite Articles 19 (freedom of speech and expression) and 25 (freedom of religion) of the Constitution to justify the disturbance caused by them. However, the Bombay HC has made it clear that these rights are not infringed upon if the go-ahead for installing loudspeakers is denied in public interest.

In these polarised times, public address systems have become instruments of religious one-upmanship. They played a role in the communal clashes that broke out in several states after Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti processions in 2022, prompting the UP Government to launch a crackdown on unauthorised loudspeakers at religious places. Such strict action needs to be taken across the country to save hapless people from becoming a forced audience. Their health and wellbeing depend a lot on a good night’s sleep. As far as the priests and devotees are concerned, they should realise that loudness isn’t next to godliness.