Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Telangana High Court Seeks Compliance Report on Ganesh Festival Noise
The Telangana High Court is concerned about very loud music during Ganesh celebrations.
Some sound systems were reportedly being used at night while idols were moved for immersion.
The court said this could disturb elderly people and people who are ill.
An earlier order allowed sound systems only from 6 p.m.
to 10 p.m.
and required noise limits to be followed.
The court said police and organizers may not have followed those rules everywhere.
Government lawyers said police had taken steps to regulate the celebrations.
Police also said they held meetings with festival and mosque committee members.
The court now wants reports showing whether its instructions were followed.
The Telangana High Court questioned continued loud music during Ganesh festivities, especially at night.
The court directed police and civic authorities to submit preliminary and compliance reports.
An earlier August 26 order limited sound systems to 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The court cited alleged violations of prescribed decibel limits and the Noise Pollution Rules, 2000.
The matter was posted for September 24, one day before scheduled Ganesh immersion.
- Who
- The Telangana High Court, police, civic authorities, festival organizers, and petitioners Chinnolla Damodhar Reddy and M. Srinivasa Reddy.
- What
- The court directed authorities to file reports on compliance with orders regulating loud sound systems during Ganesh festivities.
- When
- The direction was issued on Tuesday; the earlier order was dated August 26, 2025, and the next hearing was set for September 24.
- Where
- In Telangana, particularly in areas where Ganesh idols were being transported for immersion.
- Why
- The court was responding to alleged violations of noise regulations and complaints about nighttime loud music disturbing the public.
Court’s Concerns
Government’s Response
Compliance with noise restrictions
Court’s Concerns
The court said loud sound systems continued to be used at night and appeared not to comply with the Noise Pollution Rules or its earlier directions.
Government’s Response
The government said police had taken preventive and regulatory measures to enforce the court’s directions.
Police enforcement
Court’s Concerns
The judge criticized police for not complying with the August 26 order and demanded implementation reports.
Government’s Response
Police said they remained vigilant to maintain peace, public order, communal harmony, and the free movement of traffic and the public.
Engagement with organizers
Court’s Concerns
The court said the reported nighttime noise required immediate attention because of its effect on members of the public.
Government’s Response
Officials said peace meetings were held with Ganesh mandal organizers, festival committee members, and mosque committee members, who were instructed to follow the orders.
- Earlier court direction
- Sound systems were permitted only between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.
- Applicable rules
- Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000
- Scheduled immersion
- September 25
- Next hearing
- September 24, with the matter listed at the top of the list
- Reports ordered
- A preliminary report and a compliance report from police and civic authorities
- Police meetings
- Peace meetings were held on September 13 and 16 with festival and mosque committee representatives
- Reported impact
- Nighttime noise was said to disturb elderly people and those suffering from ailments