Be careful if you are playing loudspeakers in the house; check new rules
By Lokmat English Desk | Published: May 5, 2022 05:05 PM2022-05-05T17:05:13+5:302022-05-05T17:05:13+5:30
Next 
Loudspeaker controversy is currently raging across the country. From Maharashtra to UP, from Rajasthan to Madhya Pradesh, politics is going on this matter. In Maharashtra, MNS chief Raj Thackeray had given an ultimatum to the state government.
More than 50,000 unauthorized horns have been unloaded in Uttar Pradesh so far. More than 60,000 loudspeakers were muted. Even in Mumbai, azan is being given without honking in many places. Following the order of the Supreme Court, many have reduced the noise.
Loudspeaker controversy is nothing new. A few years back, singer Sonu Nigam had also objected to the ajaan being played on the mosque. He had posted that he could not sleep because of the noise which started loud in the morning.
The use of loudspeakers is not banned across the country. But there are certain conditions for its use. So that the use of loudspeakers does not affect the life of another. There are 2,000 provisions in the law regarding the use of loudspeakers.
As a rule, if you want to play loudspeakers or any instrument in any public place, you have to get permission for it. Not only that, if you live in a residential area, there are different rules for that.
To understand this rule, it is first necessary to know how long a loudspeaker or any instrument is allowed to play. As per the rules, playing loudspeakers or musical instruments is only allowed from 6 am to 10 pm.
However, if the state government wishes, it can grant concessions on certain occasions. The government may extend the permission to play loudspeakers or other instruments for any organization or religious event from 10 to 12 at night. However, such permission may be granted only 15 times a year.
As per the Noise Pollution Regulations, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has fixed noise criteria for four different areas. Accordingly, the criteria for how much noise will be in the industrial, commercial, residential, and silence zones.
The rules do not prohibit the use of loudspeakers or any loudspeakers in the Silence Zone. Silence zones include places like hospitals, schools and courts. However, it can be played with permission and conditions.
Suppose you have your own home and you have the right to do anything in your home. However, this does not mean that the noise level of your loudspeaker or any musical instrument should be more than 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night.
If that happens, you could face up to one million rupees fine and prison too.