Supreme Court Refuses To Entertain Plea To Regulate Laser Beams & Loudspeakers During Festivals

The Supreme Court on Tuesday (September 17) refused to entertain a petition seeking directions to regulate the use of light laser beams and loudspeakers in public spaces, gatherings and events during festivals.

The petition was filed against the Bombay High Court's April 20 order which disposed of the PIL against the usage of laser beams and loud sound systems during religious processions and other ceremonies. The High Court refused to pass substantive directions, saying that the aggrieved persons can file complaints before the authorities.

Challenging the High Court's verdict, the counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that there has been no statute regulating the use of laser beam lights. The bench led by CJI DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra was hearing the matter. 

The CJI pointed out that the High Court had permitted the petitioner to make a representation before the concerned authorities.  "You move a representation and come back," CJI said.

Before The Bombay High Court 

In its order, the Court noted that the petitioner can submit a representation to the appropriate authority/State government to take measures for regulating the use of light laser beams. . It also noted that the petitioner can inform the police about any relevant provisions in the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and file a complaint.

“…it shall be open for the petitioner to bring to the notice of the Police Authorities the applicability of Section 125 or any other relevant provision of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, if the facts justify filing of such a complaint.”

Regarding noise pollution, the Court observed that the petitioner sought relief for a report and data on noise pollution complaints from the past two years and actions taken on such complaints. It stated that prayers appear to be in nature of 'roving enquiry'.

The Court remarked “The petitioner is required to independently establish a prima facie case and cannot seek an order from this Court to summon records…” 

Case Details : AKHIL BHARATIYA GRAHAK PANCHAYAT Versus THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA AND ORS.SLP(C) No. 20675/2024

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