Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar Faces Contempt Petition Over Failure To Curb Noise Pollution

A contempt petition has been filed against Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar before the Bombay High Court, accusing the police of not effectively enforcing the court's directives to curb noise pollution in the city. The petition, filed on Thursday, August 27, was initiated by various organizations and individuals, including the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, and the Pune District Cooperative Housing Societies and Apartment Federation.

These entities have raised concerns over the excessive noise caused by high-powered DJ systems, amplifiers, and laser beams during public events such as Ganeshotsav, religious festivals, and political programmes. The petitioners argue that the noise pollution is causing distress to senior citizens, children, patients, students, shopkeepers, and workers.

The petition emphasizes that it is not targeting any specific religion or festival, but rather addressing the issue of noise pollution in its entirety. They have no problem with traditional musical instruments and music, as long as they adhere to the permissible limits set by the law. The petition also highlights noise pollution from establishments like bars, pubs, clubs, rooftop venues, and restaurants located in residential areas such as Kalyani Nagar, Koregaon Park, Balewadi, Baner, and Viman Nagar.

According to the petition, noise levels as high as 105 dB were recorded at Jedhe Chowk, 93.8 dB at Tilak Chowk, and 90.2 dB at Sant Kabir Chowk and Sonya Maruti Chowk. Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar asserts that action has been taken against violators of noise pollution norms, with sound systems seized and over 1,000 noise-level readings recorded.

He claims that 148 cases have been addressed in accordance with the rules. The contempt petition seeks strict adherence to the Bombay High Court's directions and harsher punishment for those violating the prescribed noise limits.