"No Concrete Action Taken By Govt Officials To Control Noise Pollution Through Modified Silencers": Allahabad High Court

Dealing with the suo moto matter regarding Noise pollution through the modified silencers, the Allahabad High Court on Wednesday remarked that the Government officials miserably failed in their duty to control noise pollution and to crack down on such vehicles causing noise pollution through the modified silencer, hooters, and pressure horns.

During the course of the hearing, the Court perused the affidavits of Additional Chief Secretary (Home) and Director General of Police, U.P., and termed them as "a mere eyewash" since the authorities did not indicate the concrete steps taken by them pursuant to the cognizance taken by the Court.

The Court also noted that it was not clear as to whether the committee had been constituted in terms of Rule 2(c) of The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 or the committee functions or what action has been taken by the committee for the purpose of controlling the noise pollution.

Importantly, the Bench of Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi and Justice Abdul Moin further observed that no concrete action had been taken in this regard and therefore, it sought to summon them in person.

However, on the request of the Additional Chief Standing Counsel, the Court granted one more opportunity to Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Additional Chief Secretary (Transport), and the Director-General of Police to file their personal affidavits indicating the action taken in the matter regarding cracking down on vehicles.

"In case no concrete action is taken, the Court would be compelled to summon the Officer(s) to appear in person before this Court for not having complied the specific directions issued by this Court," the Court further directed.

The respondents have also been directed to look into the suggestions given by Amicus Curie in the matter and to give their responses.

On the previous hearing, the Court had expressed a hope to see a visible change in the noise pollution by the next date of listing (September 22), failing which, the Court added, it may be compelled to summon the senior officials for having failed to adhere to the specific rules for checking noise pollution.

Case title - Noise Pollution Thru Modified Silencers (Suo Moto)(P.I.L.)

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