2 days ago
Odisha High Court Orders Guidelines for DJ and Sound Use
The Odisha High Court wants the state government to make clear rules for using DJs and loudspeakers.
The rules must be prepared within six weeks.
The case began after officials in Jagatsinghpur restricted DJs during a Ganesh Puja immersion procession.
The government said very loud music can trouble elderly and sick people.
The DJ owners’ group said DJs should not be completely banned.
It said they should be used while following noise limits.
The group also said an earlier court order in 2024 had asked for similar rules.
The court again told the government to create the guidelines.
The Orissa High Court directed Odisha to frame DJ and sound-system guidelines within six weeks.
The order came while hearing a challenge to Jagatsinghpur’s September 15 DJ restrictions.
The state argued loud DJ sounds inconvenience elderly and sick people and defended the restrictions.
Petitioners said DJs should be permitted under prescribed rules and legal noise limits.
The petitioners noted that a similar 2024 court direction had not produced guidelines.
- Who
- The Orissa High Court, Odisha government, Jagatsinghpur district administration, and the Jagannath Tent Light and Sound Owners’ Association.
- What
- The High Court directed the state government to frame guidelines regulating DJs, sound systems, and musical instruments.
- Where
- Odisha, including Jagatsinghpur district.
- When
- The direction was issued while hearing the petition; the government has six weeks to frame the guidelines. A similar direction was issued on October 3, 2024.
- Why
- The court is addressing disputes over DJ restrictions, noise levels, and the absence of previously ordered guidelines.
Restrictions and Noise Control
Regulated DJ Use
Public impact
Restrictions and Noise Control
The state said loud and jarring DJ sounds cause inconvenience to elderly and sick people and defended the restrictions as legally justified.
Regulated DJ Use
The petitioners argued that DJs and sound systems should be allowed when they comply with prescribed rules and permissible noise limits.
Extent of restrictions
Restrictions and Noise Control
The Jagatsinghpur administration imposed restrictions on DJ use during the Ganesh Puja immersion procession.
Regulated DJ Use
The petitioners argued that a blanket ban without prescribed guidelines was not permissible under the Odisha Fireworks and Loudspeakers (Regulation) Act, 1958.
Key facts
- Deadline
- Six weeks to frame the guidelines
- Challenged order
- A September 15 Jagatsinghpur district administration order restricting DJ use
- Event involved
- The Ganesh Puja immersion procession
- State’s position
- Loud and jarring DJ sounds inconvenience elderly and sick people
- Petitioners’ position
- DJs and sound systems should be allowed subject to rules and permissible noise limits
- Earlier court direction
- On October 3, 2024, the High Court directed authorities to frame sound-system guidelines
- Noise level cited
- The petitioners referred to sound levels exceeding 65 decibels
Sources
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