Curbing noise pollution: TS HC pitches for amusement license for pubs

Telangana High Court has reiterated that the police are having ample power to check the noise levels in the bars and pubs in the city,

Justice Kanneganti Lalitha was hearing the writ petition filed by Jubilee Hills Residents Clean and Green Association and two others.

The petitioners wanted the HC to instruct the police to check the loud music being played beyond permitted hours and decibels by owners of some bars and pubs in the city.

Justice Lalitha pointed out that not only the pollution control board, but the police are also having ample power to check the noise, whenever the conditions are violated.

The petitioners contended that the police officials concerned failed to act despite pleas. This inaction should be declared arbitrary and illegal, the petitioners prayed.

Justice Lalitha said as per the Apex Court order, there should not be any disturbance from 10 pm to 5 am and complete silence should be maintained.

Justice Lalitha said environmental rule 5 clearly mentions loudspeakers and public address systems shall not be used except after obtaining permission from the concerned government authorities.

Moreover, the judge pointed out pubs cannot be run on just excise rules and they have to get an amusement license also.

Counsel for the respondent pubs management B. Chandrasen Reddy informed the Court that the pubs are running according to the State Government Order and there is no violation of conditions as prescribed by the authorities.

Senior Counsel Chandrasen Reddy submitted that whenever there is any noise pollution, anyone can complain to the member secretary, and pollution control board and accordingly they will check.

Chandrasen Reddy informed the court that the pubs have taken so much of precautions on the music sound system. He said the pub managements have invested crores of rupees to run their businesses.

He further argued that pubs are nothing but a bar and restaurants.

The petitioner's counsel informed the court that some other petition has also been filed at the Chief Justice bench which is scheduled to be heard on October 26, 2022.

Justice Lalitha suggested the Chandrasen that apart from his case he should try to assist the court in a broader perspective that what could be done possibly in the majority interest of the society.

The matter was adjourned to October 27, 2022.