Nagpur: In a decisive move to enforce Bombay high court’s strict directives on noise pollution, Nagpur city police this week re-launched a citywide crackdown, issuing public notices to religious institutions and shrines, and holding urgent meetings with community leaders and area peace committees to secure voluntary compliance and prevent any communal friction. The drive was initiated last year too, leading to the removal of loudspeakers from substantial numbers of shrines.CP Ravinder Kumar Singal signed the comprehensive notice on March 9, directly citing the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, and the Nagpur bench’s recent orders in PIL, which were heard on March 5, 2026.The HC explicitly directed authorities to ensure the removal of all unauthorised loudspeakers installed at religious places within 7 days of notice’s publication, underlining that amplified sound systems are not an essential part of religious practice and that excessive noise violates citizens’ fundamental right to peace, sleep and healthy living.The police notice lays down clear, non-negotiable rules: written permission from the competent authority is now compulsory for any loudspeaker or public address system at religious sites, while unauthorised loudspeakers must be voluntarily removed within the seven-day window or face forcible seizure and legal proceedings.The notification underlined that even permitted installations are restricted to a maximum height of 15 feet from the ground (higher set-ups require special approval) and must be directed inwards towards the premises rather than outwards towards public roads or residential neighbourhoods. Wedding lawns, banquet halls, restaurants and event venues are prohibited from permitting DJs, amplified music systems or firecracker bursting without prior written approval, with mandatory adherence to prescribed decibel limits at all times. A complete night-time blackout from 10pm to 6am was imposed on drums, trumpets, musical instruments, sound amplifiers and any noise-making crackers.Violations, the notice warns, will invite stringent action under the 2000 Rules and other applicable laws, with no leniency for ignorance of the order. Recognising Nagpur’s diverse social fabric, senior police officers already began dialogue with the managements of temples, mosques and other shrines, patiently explaining the court-backed guidelines, addressing apprehensions and seeking cooperation.Area peace committees across localities are being actively involved to build consensus and ensure the drive remains harmonious. For years, residents complained bitterly about chronic sleep disruption, rising stress, health problems and daily disturbances caused by unregulated bhajans, azaans, wedding bands, late-night celebrations and procession music.The HC, frustrated by years of lax enforcement despite clear laws on the books, took suo motu cognisance to force decisive administrative action. Citizens are urged to immediately report any violations to Police Control Room 112 or the nearest police station. Police authorities say enforcement will begin with intensive monitoring of religious sites and could soon extend to blaring vehicle horns, construction activity and other persistent noise sources.
