In a decisive move against unchecked noise pollution, the Punjab and Haryana High Court issued stern directives, holding District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police in Haryana, Punjab, and Chandigarh personally accountable for enforcing anti-noise pollution regulations.
The Court’s stance revisited its 2019 mandate, which included a ban on loudspeakers around annual school examinations. Emphasizing vigilance, it instructed authorities to act swiftly on complaints from citizens regarding guideline violations.
The High Court highlighted that noise pollution, classified as a form of air pollution, falls under the purview of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Citizens were encouraged to report violations directly to the police or escalate matters to the Magistrate if authorities failed to respond promptly. The Court warned that non-compliance could result in disciplinary measures against negligent officers.
Despite reassurances from the Haryana State Pollution Control Board regarding offenders’ commitments to adhere to noise limits, the Court voiced concern over unresolved complaints, noting that nearly half of the reported cases from 2021 to mid-2024 remained pending.
This directive underscores a broader effort to combat noise pollution, urging consistent monitoring and adherence to existing regulations. It also cited a landmark Supreme Court ruling emphasizing the police’s obligation to address cognizable offenses promptly.
By enforcing accountability, the Court seeks to balance community well-being with strict compliance, signaling a no-tolerance approach to violations.
