Bombay HC: Maharashtra Govt Took 'Substantial Efforts' Against Illegal Loudspeakers, No Contempt Found

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Tuesday observed that the Maharashtra government had taken “substantial and earnest efforts” to act against illegal loudspeakers used at religious places and held that no case of contempt was made out. Accordingly, the court disposed of a contempt petition filed in 2018 by social activist Santosh Pachlag.

Pachlag had sought action against the authorities for allegedly failing to implement the court’s directions issued in August 2016 in a public interest litigation concerning illegal use of loudspeakers in violation of the Noise Pollution Rules and the Bombay Police Act.

A division bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne noted that the authorities had taken adequate steps in compliance with the 2016 order.

The court referred to an affidavit filed by Director General of Police (DGP) Rashmi Shukla, which stated that as of April 2025, a total of 2,812 loudspeakers were in use across various religious establishments.

Of these, 343 were removed for being unauthorised, 831 were regularised after obtaining necessary permissions, and notices were issued to 767 establishments cautioning them against exceeding permissible noise levels.

Additionally, 19 FIRs were registered, and five cases were referred to the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) board for further action.

Government Pleader Neha Bhide informed the bench that a nodal officer of the rank of Inspector General of Police had been appointed to oversee the implementation of Noise Pollution Rules across 49 police units in the state.

The court noted that the state’s response and action demonstrated substantial compliance with the earlier directives.

“It is evident that the authorities have substantially complied with the order. No case for wilful disobedience of this court’s directions is made out, as the authorities have made earnest efforts to implement them,” the bench observed.

The bench also granted liberty to the petitioner to approach the designated nodal officer in case of any future grievances regarding violations.

The original PIL had raised concerns over loudspeakers being used at religious places, particularly mosques, without required permissions and in violation of sound level norms. The PIL was disposed of in 2016, with directions to ensure no loudspeaker or public address system is used without prior approval under the relevant law.