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Politics
Bombay High Court reprimands Maharashtra govt for lax stance on noise pollution
✍️ Mid-Day
🗓 24 Sep 2026, 05:32 AM
👁 9
The Bombay High Court criticised the Maharashtra government for treating noise‑pollution concerns as a non‑issue, urging stricter enforcement of existing rules.
The Bombay High Court on Wednesday took a stern view of the Maharashtra government's handling of noise‑pollution violations. In a written order, the bench observed that the state's officials appeared to adopt an "all is well" attitude despite repeated complaints from residents and civic bodies.
The court reminded the government of its statutory duty under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, to monitor and curb excessive sound levels, especially in residential zones and near hospitals and schools. It directed the state to submit a detailed compliance report within two weeks.
Legal experts said the judgment underscores the judiciary's willingness to intervene when administrative inaction threatens public health. The ruling may prompt a renewed crackdown on illegal loudspeakers, construction work after permissible hours, and other sources of urban noise.
The court reminded the government of its statutory duty under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, to monitor and curb excessive sound levels, especially in residential zones and near hospitals and schools. It directed the state to submit a detailed compliance report within two weeks.
Legal experts said the judgment underscores the judiciary's willingness to intervene when administrative inaction threatens public health. The ruling may prompt a renewed crackdown on illegal loudspeakers, construction work after permissible hours, and other sources of urban noise.