Permission to use loudspeakers is mandatory: Raichur DC

Raichur Deputy Commissioner Poovitha S. presiding over the review meeting in Raichur on Sunday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Raichur Deputy Commissioner Poovitha S. has issued strict guidelines restricting high-decibel DJ systems, banjos and drums from September 14 to October 4 for the Ganesha festival.

“For using loudspeakers in public places, it is mandatory to obtain prior permission from the District Magistrate and Police Superintendent,” she added.

In a note issued on Sunday, the deputy commissioner said sound systems would be immediately confiscated if they were found to be being used without permission. Large sound systems projecting sound up to 500 meters away are strictly prohibited, she said.

Under Rule 5(3) of the Noise Pollution Regulations 2000, the use of loudspeakers is completely prohibited between 10pm and 6am.

The Deputy Commissioner highlighted the decision of the Supreme Court and observed that noise pollution cannot be permitted during religious celebrations (Church of God in India v. KKR Majestic Colony), thereby reaffirming the strict enforcement of night noise restrictions (Forum, Prevention of Environmental & Sound Pollution v. Union of India, 2005).

In response to public complaints regarding health impacts on infants, elderly residents and patients, the police would lodge an FIR under Section 270 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and the Noise Pollution Rules against violators. Sections 36 and 37 would be used to seize illegal DJ systems and negligent station officers would face departmental action, she said.

The public can file a complaint on 112.

Published – 20 Sep 2026 20:21 IST