Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Raut Calls for Maharashtra Policy on Festival DJs, Lasers
Sanjay Raut wants Maharashtra to make one rule for loud DJs and laser lights at festivals.
He says different rules in different cities are not enough.
Raut believes very loud sounds and strong lasers can harm people’s mental and physical health.
His demand came after activist Vidyanand Bapat was attacked in Pune.
Bapat had been speaking against loud festival music and noise pollution.
Police detained the person allegedly involved in the attack.
Nagpur police separately banned certain powerful sound systems and laser lights.
Raut says the state government should take similar action across Maharashtra.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut urged Maharashtra to create a statewide policy regulating loud DJs and laser lights during festivals.
Raut said isolated city bans were insufficient because excessive noise and laser use affect public health.
His comments followed the camera-recorded assault of Pune activist Vidyanand Bapat, who opposed loud festival sound systems.
Nagpur police issued an order banning high-powered and modified sound systems, beams, and laser lights during the coming festival season.
Raut accused Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis of lacking the courage to take statewide action.
- Who
- Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, activist Vidyanand Bapat, the Maharashtra government, and Nagpur police.
- What
- Raut demanded a statewide policy on high-decibel DJs, modified sound systems, beams, and laser lights during festivals.
- When
- Raut made the comments on Friday after Bapat was assaulted on Thursday.
- Where
- The assault occurred on Tilak Road in Pune; Nagpur police issued a related order in Nagpur.
- Why
- Raut cited public-health concerns and the assault on an activist opposing festival noise.
Statewide policy advocates
City-specific enforcement
Scope of regulation
Statewide policy advocates
Raut argues that the issue affects public health and requires one policy across Maharashtra rather than isolated city bans.
City-specific enforcement
The reported government action has so far included a Nagpur police order targeting powerful sound systems, beams, and laser lights in that city.
Government response
Statewide policy advocates
Raut alleges that the state government and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis lack the courage to act despite public opposition.
City-specific enforcement
Authorities have taken at least one local enforcement step through the Nagpur police order, while the article does not report a statewide government response.
- Demand
- Sanjay Raut called for a Maharashtra-wide policy governing loud DJs and laser lights during festivals.
- Assaulted activist
- Vidyanand Bapat was attacked while speaking to a television news channel in Pune.
- Police action
- Police detained the alleged assailant after the attack was captured on camera.
- Nagpur order
- Nagpur police banned high-powered and modified sound systems, beams, and laser lights during the forthcoming festival season.
- Political responsibility
- Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also holds the home portfolio.
- Public opposition
- Raut said thousands opposed DJ use during the Ganesh festival in Pune, with similar demands in Nagpur and other cities.