High Court tightens norms on loudspeakers and DJs; considers personal affidavit filed by Principal Secretary, Home Department; next hearing after eight weeks
Bilaspur: The Chhattisgarh High Court has directed the state government and concerned authorities to strictly enforce the existing laws and government directives aimed at controlling noise pollution. The court made it clear that the pending legislative process for the proposed Chhattisgarh Noise Control Bill, 2026 cannot be used as a reason to relax enforcement of the existing legal provisions.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal issued the directions while hearing a suo motu public interest litigation concerning noise pollution.
What Did the Principal Secretary’s Affidavit Say?
The court considered a personal affidavit submitted by the Principal Secretary of the Home Department.
According to the affidavit, the state government has taken significant steps toward establishing a comprehensive legal framework for the control and regulation of noise pollution.
The court was informed that following a Home Department order dated March 31, 2026, a drafting committee was constituted to prepare the necessary amendments and legal framework concerning noise control in the state.
Noise Control Bill to Be Placed Before Cabinet
The committee has prepared the Chhattisgarh Noise Control Bill, 2026 in both Hindi and English.
The state government informed the court that the necessary action-taken report and supporting documents have also been prepared. Once the departmental process is completed, the proposal will be placed before the Council of Ministers, following which the Bill will be introduced in the state Assembly.
Next Hearing After Eight Weeks
The High Court observed that the process of preparing the proposed legislation has moved beyond the preliminary stage and is now actively under consideration at the appropriate administrative level.
Considering the progress made by the state government, the court granted additional time to complete the remaining administrative and legislative procedures.
The matter has been directed to be listed again after eight weeks.
No Relaxation in Existing Noise Pollution Rules
The court made it particularly clear that the pending Bill does not give the state government or its officials any justification to relax enforcement of the existing legal provisions and government directions.
The High Court directed the state government, district administrations, police, municipal bodies and other concerned agencies to continue taking effective and preventive measures against noise pollution.
Particular attention has been directed toward regulating:
- Loudspeakers
- Public announcement systems
- Sound amplification equipment
- Firecrackers
- Other sources generating excessive noise
The court also stressed the need for greater vigilance during night hours and in silence zones, where excessive noise can have a greater impact on residents and vulnerable groups.
Key Takeaway
The High Court’s message is clear: until the proposed new legislation comes into force, the existing noise pollution laws and government directions remain fully enforceable.
Authorities cannot wait for the new Bill to become law before taking action against excessive noise from DJs, loudspeakers, public announcement systems or other sources.
