Nagpur: In a stern and strongly worded intervention, the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has flagged the rapidly worsening noise pollution crisis in Nagpur, declaring that authorities have failed to enforce existing laws and that blatant violations continue unchecked across the city.
A division bench of Justice Anil Pansare and Justice Raj Wakode, while dismissing a criminal writ petition filed by Masjid A Gausia of Gondia seeking permission to resume loudspeaker use, took suo motu cognisance of the broader issue, transferring the matter for continued hearing before Justice Anil Pansare and Justice Rajnish Vyas.
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Even as the court refused to grant relief to the petitioner, it issued scathing remarks about the collapse of noise control enforcement, noting that Nagpur ranks sixth among Maharashtra’s ten most noise-polluted cities and is witnessing “serious and uncontrolled violations.”
The bench specified several prominent locations in Civil Lines where noise rules are regularly broken, including:
• CP Club, Srushti Lawn, Ladies Club, Officers Club, Rani Kothi
• Durga Mata Temple, Shiv Hanuman Temple, Telangkhedi temples
• Chiranshah Baba Dargah
• WCL Ground and Gondwana Club during sports events
These establishments, the court said, frequently play loud music, use firecrackers, and operate loudspeakers beyond the 10 pm deadline, despite clear prohibitions.
The High Court said that the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 and the Environment Protection Act are poorly implemented and highlighted that the Supreme Court’s landmark 2005 judgment “In Re: Noise Pollution” is still not being followed.
The bench reiterated that:
• Firecrackers producing noise are completely banned between 10 pm and 6 am
• Drums, trumpets, loudspeakers, and similar devices cannot be used at night
• Police cannot wait for complaints—they must act independently
Police, authorities ordered to act
The court criticised the passive policing approach despite a July 21, 2025 government order directing strict control of noise pollution.
“This is not sufficient,” the court said, instructing police to take suo motu action immediately upon finding violations, and to crack down on two-wheelers and other vehicles with modified loud silencers, especially during night hours.
Senior Advocate Deven Chauhan represented the government during the hearing.
