Patna High Court issues statewide rules to curb noise pollution
The Patna High Court has directed all district magistrates, superintendents of police, sub-divisional officers, and station house officers across Bihar to strictly enforce noise pollution norms, including a statewide ban on loudspeakers after 9:55 PM. The order, issued on August 14, 2026, by a single-judge bench of Justice Rajiv Roy, came during the hearing of a contempt petition.
The court directed authorities to ensure compliance with the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, and the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. It specifically barred the use of DJs, high-decibel loudspeakers, and pressure horns beyond the permitted time and decibel levels. The order states that all DJ operators, loudspeaker owners, and banquet hall owners must not be allowed to use such equipment after 9:55 PM under any circumstances.
The court also ordered that no loudspeakers or DJs be operated near hospitals, and vehicles must cross these areas in silent mode. Similar restrictions apply to schools during daytime. The court stressed the need to designate 'silence zones' in urban areas, as per the Noise Pollution Rules, and install prominent signboards reading 'No Horn/No Loudspeaker' near healthcare facilities and educational institutions.
Expressing concern over road accidents and public inconvenience caused by pressure horns, the court directed police officials to issue challans under Section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. It cited an example from Pothia in Katihar, where fines totalling ₹1,10,000 were collected in a single week, noting that such enforcement would improve road safety and generate revenue. The court said, 'The State of Bihar must be made free of the Pressure Horns.'
The order also mandates that every DJ operator, marriage hall owner, and sound system operator register with the local Sub-Divisional Officer, with a copy submitted to the concerned police station. The Bihar State Pollution Control Board has been directed to install sound monitoring systems and digital display boards in public places to raise awareness.
Government Pleader Prashant Pratap assured the court that the order would be communicated to all administrative and police officials for immediate implementation. The court commended Mr. Pratap's efforts in ensuring that previous judicial directives in the matter were carried out in letter and spirit.
The High Court has directed its office to send copies of the order to the Transport Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for better coordination across the state.
