The Bombay High Court on Wednesday reserved it order on a plea filed by Professional Audio & Lighting Association, seeking to set aside the ban imposed by the police on use of DJ and Dolby sound system during Ganapati Visarjan (immersion).
Advocate general Ashutosh Kumbhakoni appearing for the government opposed the plea saying that the use of DJ system would violate the noise pollution rules. He argued that the minimum decibel levels are also beyond permissible limits. He added that if the system is played, large crowds gather and due to limited police resources it would be difficult for the cops to disperse the crowds. "It can lead to law and order situation," Kumbhakoni said. Thus as way of prevention, the state decided to ban use of DJ and Dolby sound systems.
However, advocate S B Talekar appearing for the petitioners said the state's argument of DJ and Dolby sound violating noise norms is absurd. Playing of DJ is allowed in live concerts and indoor events, thus it should be allowed to be used in public premises. Talekar argued that the ban has been imposed without carrying out any kind of study to prove that it affects the environment.
There are around 1400 members who are Disc Jockeys (DJ) and suppliers of Dolby sound system, during Ganapati immersion. They are willing to give an undertaking that they will abide by noise pollution rules if they are allowed to operate.
