Court Finds State Efforts Satisfactory in Implementing 2016 Noise Control Orders

Mumbai | July 2025 : The Bombay High Court on Tuesday ruled that the state government has not committed contempt in the noise pollution case, stating that “earnest efforts” were made to comply with the court’s directions issued in August 2016. The division bench, comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne, was hearing a contempt petition filed in 2018 by activist Santosh Pachalag, alleging the state had failed to act on the HC’s prior orders.

The judges noted that the state’s affidavit confirmed substantial progress: 3,843 loudspeakers had been removed, 831 granted permission, and 767 issued notices. Additionally, five cases were referred to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), and an Inspector General of Police was appointed as the nodal officer for 49 police units statewide. The court observed that the respondents had substantially complied with the 2016 directives and accordingly disposed of the contempt plea.

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