On September 22, 2021, the Allahabad High Court bench comprised of Justices Abdul Moina and Ritu Raj Awasthi while hearing a Public Interest Litigation regarding the steps taken by the authorities in controlling noise pollution observed that the Government officials had despondently miscarried their duty to regulate noise pollution and to crack down on such vehicles causing noise pollution through the modified silencer, hooters, and pressure horns.
During the hearing, the Court read the affidavits of the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) and the Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh, and described them as "mere eyewash" because the authorities did not indicate any concrete steps taken in response to the Court's cognizance.
CONTENTION OF THE PARTIES:
- Mr. Gaurav Mehrotra, learned Amicus Curiae, stated that noise pollution is caused by modified silencers, hooters, and pressure horns, and that nothing concrete has been done to control the same by the relevant authorities, indicating a lax and casual approach.
- Mr. H.P. Srivastava, learned Additional Chief Standing Counsel, however, submitted that he would immediately notify the authorities to act with haste and promptness and that they would not be summoned personally.
- Mr. Ashok Kumar Verma, learned counsel for the opposing party, submitted that a committee be formed in accordance with Rule 2(c) of The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.
ORDER:
After hearing the counsels, the court was of the opinion that all of the officials who had been impleaded in the current P.I.L for controlling noise pollution and cracking down on such vehicles causing noise pollution through modified silencers, hooters, and pressure horns had miserably failed in their duty and that no concrete action had been taken in this regard, and thus should be summoned in person.
The respondents were also asked to consider the Amicus Curie's recommendations and respond.
CASE - Noise Pollution Thru Modified Silencers (Suo Moto) (P.I.L.)
