The Patna High Court has issued sweeping directives to curb noise pollution across Bihar, banning loudspeakers after 9:55 PM and ordering strict fines for pressure horn usage.

  • Complete ban on loudspeakers and DJs after 9:55 PM.
  • Mandatory 'Silence Zones' around hospitals and schools.
  • Strict fines under Section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act for pressure horns.
  • Compulsory registration for all DJ and marriage hall operators with local SDOs.

In a decisive move to combat rampant noise pollution, the Patna High Court has issued a comprehensive set of statewide directives. A single-judge bench, led by Justice Rajiv Roy, has ordered strict enforcement against the unregulated use of high-decibel loudspeakers, DJs, and pressure horns across the state of Bihar.

The court's directive comes as a response to growing public inconvenience and the rising number of road accidents linked to excessive noise. All District Magistrates (DMs), Superintendents of Police (SPs), and local authorities have been instructed to ensure compliance with the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 and the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this judicial intervention is crucial for urban livability and public health. Noise pollution is often an overlooked factor in psychological stress and hearing impairment. By targeting pressure horns, the court is also addressing a significant cause of driver distraction, potentially reducing fatal road accidents in the state.

"The State of Bihar must be made free of the Pressure Horns," the court emphasized while highlighting the need for road safety.

One of the most significant aspects of the order is the strict timing mandate. The court has decreed that no loudspeaker or DJ operation is permitted after 09:55 PM. Furthermore, operators must maintain low decibel levels during the day and switch to complete silent mode when passing near hospitals and educational institutions.

To ensure accountability, the court has mandated that every DJ operator, marriage hall owner, and sound system provider must register with their local Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO). Additionally, the Bihar State Pollution Control Board has been tasked with installing sound monitoring systems and digital display boards in public areas to enhance public awareness.

The court also highlighted the economic and safety benefits of such measures, citing a recent campaign in Pothia, Katihar, where ₹1,10,000 in fines were collected in just one week through enforcement against noise violations.

Did You Know?: The court suggested categorizing cities into distinct Industrial, Commercial, Residential, and Silence zones to better manage noise standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the deadline for using loudspeakers in Bihar?
According to the High Court, all loudspeaker and DJ use must cease by 9:55 PM.

2. Are there special rules for hospitals and schools?
Yes, these areas must be maintained as 'Silence Zones' where DJs and vehicles must operate in silent mode.