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Bombay High Court Dismisses Contempt Petition Over Illegal Religious Loudspeakers

Removal of unauthorized devices under a nodal inspector general’s supervision convinced the bench of compliance with noise pollution norms

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An RTI response stated that there were 2,940 speakers on religious structures in the state.

Overview

  • A division bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne disposed of Santosh Pachlag’s 2018 contempt petition alleging noncompliance with a 2016 noise pollution order at religious sites.
  • An affidavit from DGP Rashmi Shukla showed that out of 2,812 loudspeakers in use, 343 were removed and 831 were granted licences by April 2025.
  • Authorities issued warnings to 767 religious establishments for exceeding permissible decibel levels and filed FIRs in 19 cases under relevant noise pollution rules.
  • The Maharashtra government designated a nodal officer at the rank of Inspector General of Police to monitor implementation of noise norms across 49 police units.
  • Finding no wilful disobedience, the court ruled no contempt had occurred and granted the petitioner liberty to approach the nodal officer if violations persist.