Bombay High Court lawyer Yogesh Fulchand Pande has taken a stand against the lack of regulation and control over excessive loud noise during the Ganesh Festival in Pune. In a writ petition filed with the Bombay High Court, Pande addresses the failure of authorities to enforce sound level limits, leading to serious consequences, including personal hearing loss and even fatalities.
The High Court has issued notices to key respondents, including The State of Maharashtra, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), Pune District Collector, Pune Police Commissioner, Pune Municipal Commissioner (PMC), and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The court is set to hear the case on 11th March 2024.
In an exclusive interview with Pune Pulse, Adv Yogesh Fulchand Pande expressed his concern about the escalating noise levels during the Ganesh Festival in Pune in 2023. He highlighted the impact on citizens, emphasizing that the issue goes beyond personal inconvenience, as some individuals lost their lives due to the excessive noise.
Adv Pande noted the lack of serious attention from responsible authorities, often attributed to political pressure. He criticized the existing mechanism of the Pollution Control Board, claiming that the police and other relevant bodies pass the responsibility back and forth without taking decisive action. The petitioner also mentioned the disregard for previous directives from the High Court regarding sound levels during festivals.
Advocate Vilas Tapkir, representing Yogesh Pande, highlighted the legal framework in place, including the Noise Act of 1951 and the subsequent Noise Pollution Rules. Despite the existence of laws and guidelines, Tapkir lamented the lack of enforcement, pointing out that sound levels during the 2023 Ganesh Festival far exceeded the permissible limits.
Tapkir expressed hope that the petition would lead to stricter monitoring and enforcement of regulations related to sound levels during future Ganesh Festivals, preventing mishaps and violations.
As the legal battle unfolds, the next hearing of the petition is scheduled for 11th March 2024. The case has the potential to set a precedent for effective noise control measures during cultural and religious festivities.
