Breaking: Hyderabad police bans DJ sound systems and crackers during religious processions

Hyderabad: The Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad City, has officially banned the use of DJ sound systems, DJ sound mixers, sound amplifiers, and other high-sound-generating equipment during religious processions across the city.

This decision comes after increasing concerns about public health, noise pollution, and law and order disturbances caused by the use of such systems during major festivals and processions.

DJ Sound Systems Prohibited

In a notification issued on 30th September 2024, C.V. Anand, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad City, informed the public that DJ sound systems, along with fireworks, will no longer be permitted during religious processions.

This decision follows numerous complaints from the public about excessive noise pollution, particularly in residential areas, which has impacted the health of elderly citizens and disrupted children's education.

“Prolonged exposure to high decibel sound from DJ systems is harmful to human health, causing hearing loss, high blood pressure, and mental stress. Moreover, the loud music tends to create excitement among the youth, leading to indiscipline and confusion,"said Commissioner Anand, emphasizing the need for regulation.

#Breaking— #JUSTIN: The use of DJ sound systems, DJ sound mixers, Sound Amplifiers ond Other High Sound Generating equipments, which is capable of producing or reproducing sound are hereby prohibited during religious processions, in Hyderabad Commissionerate limits. pic.twitter.com/u3k9mDPUtP

— NewsMeter (@NewsMeter_In) October 1, 2024

Incident at Charminar Highlights Danger

A recent incident during a religious procession on 19th September 2024 at Charminar highlighted the potential dangers posed by the use of DJ systems and fireworks.

A generator used for a DJ system caught fire, reportedly due to sparks from nearby firecrackers. “The situation could have turned serious if the fire was not promptly controlled,” the Commissioner noted, adding that such incidents can lead to rumors and communal tensions.

Public Health Concerns and Legal Framework

The Supreme Court of India has addressed noise pollution issues in its 2000 judgment involving the Church of God (Full Gospel) in India vs. K.K.R. Majestic Colony Welfare Association. The court highlighted the dangers of noise pollution, stating that it interrupts sleep, causes hearing loss, and leads to high blood pressure and depression, particularly affecting students, the elderly, and the infirm.

Referring to this judgment, Commissioner Anand stated, “Noise pollution is a serious public health issue, and our regulations must balance the rights of organizers with the public's right to peace and tranquility.”

Stakeholder Agreement

A meeting was held on 26th September 2024, involving religious procession organizers, senior representatives of political parties, and various government departments, to discuss the issue.

“There was unanimous agreement on the need to prevent the use of DJ systems and fireworks during religious processions," said the Commissioner, explaining that the uncontrolled use of such systems poses significant challenges for police and other authorities tasked with maintaining order.

The notification also outlined the permissible decibel limits for sound systems in different areas of the city:

- Industrial Area: 75 dB during the day, 70 dB at night

- Commercial Area: 65 dB during the day, 55 dB at night

- Residential Area: 55 dB during the day, 45 dB at night

- Silence Zone: 50 dB during the day, 40 dB at night

Enforcement and Penalties

The notification makes it clear that violations will lead to strict legal action under the Hyderabad City Police Act and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

Penalties include fines, imprisonment, and confiscation of sound equipment. “All SHOs and inspectors are authorized to take immediate action against those who violate these orders,” the notification stated.

The ban is effective immediately and applies to all religious processions across Hyderabad City.

Public Response

The notification has received mixed reactions from the public. While some have welcomed the move as necessary for public health and safety, others have expressed concerns about its impact on religious celebrations.

However, authorities remain firm in their stance, citing the need to prioritize the welfare of the city's residents over the use of high-decibel sound systems in public spaces.