The Patna High Court criticized the authorities for their inability to control the increasing air and noise pollution in the city. Justice Rajiv Roy, leading a single-judge bench, expressed strong disapproval towards the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) for its failure in pollution regulation enforcement. Senior Advocate Shivendra Kishore, representing the Board, mentioned issuing notices to marriage halls and instructing construction sites to use green nets.
Amicus Curiae Ajay Kumar raised concerns about the lack of concrete records of communications with municipal bodies, questioning the effectiveness of the actions taken. The Court also examined the performance of the police, with Rupaspur Police Station reporting delayed information and Kadamkuan Police Station admitting to an unregistered vehicle involved in a case against a DJ operator. Expressing dissatisfaction, the Court pondered initiating contempt proceedings against the responsible police officials.
Responding to the state’s counsel, Prashant Pratap, the Court granted a final chance for compliance. Reports from various police stations were deemed unsatisfactory, leading to the Court’s strong criticism against the Station House Officers (SHOs). Emphasizing the need for practical implementation of the Loudspeaker Act, 1955, and Noise Pollution Rules, the Court mandated videographing of DJs and loudspeakers during events without disrupting the proceedings, followed by immediate legal action for violations.
