Ganpati visarjan to be a quiet affair this year as Bombay High Court asks DJs to fall in line

The Bombay High Court on Friday refused to grant permission allowing DJ performances during Ganpati visarjan to exceed the sound decibel limit, saying, "We are not willing to accept the argument that the ambient noise levels in many cities have exceeded the limit, and therefore, DJ systems should be permitted which cause only a marginal increase in ambient permissible limits," the court said. However, traditional musical instruments like the dhol tasha, which also make noise, are allowed.

A division bench of justices Shantanu Kemkar and Sarang Kotwal, while rejecting the plea for interim relief filed by Professional Audio and Lighting Association (PALA), said "When laws are in place and rules are framed, they must be strictly followed."

The bench also rejected the argument put forth by SB Talekar, advocate for the petitioners, that they are entitled for protection under Article 14 of the Constitution. "Just because some others are violating rules and creating noise pollution, the petitioners cannot content that they also be permitted to violate the rules," the bench said.

While turning down the plea, the court said the association may have challenged the ban on DJs and Dolby systems but it has miserably failed to produce on record specifications of DJs and Dolby systems from the manufacturers to demonstrate they can be operated within the limits of permissible noise levels.

Advocate General Ashutosh Kumbhakoni opposed the plea, saying if DJs play at large crowds, fewer police resources mean it will become difficult it to disperse them, causing a law and order situation.

CITY ARMED TO THE TEETH

Maximum police deployment, drones, cctv cameras to keep an eye on revelries

5,000 
Policemen deployed at various immersion spots across Mumbai

53; 56 
Roads closed for civilians; and those which will become one-way

5,000 
CCTV cameras which will keep an eye on revelries in real time