The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has directed Kerala police to enforce strict noise control rules following complaints against a temple in Malappuram. The panel emphasized the protection of residents' right to privacy and peace.

  • SHRC directed police to enforce Noise Pollution Rules, 2000 at Kolappattu Mahavishnu Temple.
  • State Pollution Control Board confirmed sound levels exceed legal limits.
  • Investigation ordered into privacy violations and public road obstruction.
  • Police must submit a compliance report within two months.

In a significant move to protect civic rights, the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has stepped in to address the escalating issue of noise pollution caused by the Kolappattu Mahavishnu Temple in Edavanna, Malappuram. Acting on a formal complaint by a local resident named Jayan, the commission has mandated strict enforcement of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.

Environmental Violations Confirmed

The intervention follows a technical assessment by the State Pollution Control Board, which conducted a noise-level inspection. The findings were damning, revealing that the sound levels emanating from the temple premises significantly exceeded the permissible decibel limits prescribed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Judicial member K. Baijunath emphasized that the use of amplifiers must strictly adhere to statutory limits.

Read Also:Google Pixel 10 gets Rs 15,500 discount: Where to buy
The right to live in a peaceful environment is an integral part of the fundamental right to life.

Broadening the Scope of Inquiry

The SHRC's mandate extends beyond mere acoustics. The commission has ordered the Edavanna Station House Officer (SHO) to conduct a comprehensive and impartial inquiry into several other allegations. These include the violation of privacy through the improper use of CCTV cameras and the obstruction of public roads, both of which infringe upon the complainant's freedom of movement.

Why This Matters: A Legal Precedent

BozokMedia analysis shows that this case serves as a critical litmus test for the balance between religious practices and individual constitutional rights. By addressing privacy and movement alongside noise, the SHRC is reinforcing that no institution is exempt from the rule of law or the duty to respect the rights of neighbors.

The commission has explicitly stated that measures must be taken to ensure that the complainant and his family do not suffer further hardship. The Edavanna SHO is required to submit a detailed action-taken report to the Commission within a strict two-month deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What specific rules were violated by the temple?
The temple violated the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, framed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

2. What other issues is the police investigating?
Besides noise, the police are investigating allegations of privacy violations via CCTV and the blocking of public roads.

Did You Know?: Noise pollution is legally classified as an environmental pollutant in India, subject to strict decibel limits.