Karnataka HC Directs Govt.To Ensure Adequate Number Of Decibel Meters To Detect Noise Pollution

The Karnataka High Court on Thursday directed the state government to ascertain shortfall of decibel meters to record noise levels, in the police force and to acquire decibel meters for proper implementation of Noise Pollution rules.

A division bench of Chief Justice Abhay Oka and Justice H T Narendra Prasad while hearing a petition filed by Defence Colony Residents Association and others, highlighting the problem of loud noise in Indiranagar area of the city, due to presence of several pubs and restaurants playing loud music said "Let us test your (state) bonafide. Officers should do something to prove they are diligent."

The court said if it feels that steps to curb noise pollution are not forthcoming by June 20, the next date of hearing, it would not hesitate in summoning the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner, to court and also pass necessary directions for procurement of decibel meters. It also clarified to the state government that as per the Act, the implementing authority to check noise pollution was the local police and not the officials of the pollution control board.

The petition claims that the pubs are operating in violation of various laws and has become a nuisance for the locals. The petitions also contended that they had repeatedly submitted representations to the authorities concerned with regard to the inconvenience faced by them but no action had been taken so far. They have moved the court seeking directions to the state government not to grant further licenses for applications seeking to sell alcohol in the vicinity of Indiranagar.