Bombay High Court Faces Contempt Plea Against Pune Police Commissioner Over Noise Pollution Enforcement
A contempt petition has been filed before the Bombay High Court against Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, alleging deliberate failure to comply with judicial directions issued to curb noise pollution across Pune city.
The petition was moved by six petitioners, including Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat and other civic and residents' associations, who claim that excessive noise pollution continues unabated despite clear directions issued by the High Court in earlier proceedings concerning enforcement of noise-control regulations.
According to the petition, Pune residents have faced persistent exposure to high-decibel sound levels generated during festivals, political gatherings, rallies, processions, and entertainment events. The petitioners allege that the continued use of powerful sound systems, DJs, amplifiers, and related equipment has resulted in repeated violations of statutory noise limits.
The petition specifically contends that the Police Commissioner, as the authority responsible for maintaining law and order and enforcing noise-control regulations within Pune city limits, failed to implement directions issued by the Bombay High Court on August 20, 2024, in PIL No. 191 of 2023.
The petitioners have characterized the alleged inaction as conscious, wilful, and deliberate disobedience of binding court orders, thereby attracting contempt jurisdiction under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.
Concerns have also been raised regarding noise generated by bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants, and entertainment venues operating in residential localities. The petition argues that establishments permitted to use sound systems remain obligated to comply with prescribed environmental standards and permissible decibel limits.
Under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, residential areas are subject to prescribed sound limits during daytime and nighttime hours. The petitioners allege that recorded noise levels at multiple locations in Pune substantially exceeded these permissible standards, adversely affecting public health, senior citizens, students, and residents.
The matter highlights the growing judicial focus on environmental governance and the enforcement of court orders relating to public health and urban living conditions. If the High Court finds a prima facie case of wilful disobedience, contempt proceedings could be initiated against the concerned authority.
The case is expected to test the extent of administrative accountability in implementing judicial directives aimed at protecting citizens from environmental and noise-related harm.