The Telangana High Court has sought detailed compliance reports on the implementation of its Ganesh festival guidelines across Telangana after taking note of loud DJ systems being used on roads at night ahead of the September 25 immersion. The court’s directions cover Hyderabad, Secunderabad, adjoining areas and other parts of the State.
Justice N V Shravan Kumar issued the direction while hearing a contempt case filed by residents of Nirmal district, who alleged that the court’s earlier directions on installing Ganesh idols and conducting festivities in public places were not being implemented by authorities.
The Government Pleader for Home told the court that police had held peace meetings with Ganesh Mandal organisers, Ganesh Utsava Committee members and Majeed Committee members on September 13 and 16. The organisers were instructed to strictly follow the High Court’s directions, according to the submission recorded during the hearing.
The police also informed the court that preventive action had been taken against owners and operators of DJ sound systems, and that criminal cases had been registered against people accused of violating the directions. Authorities said they were maintaining vigilance during the festivities to protect public order, communal harmony, traffic movement and public passage.
The court noted that its earlier directions, issued in connection with Ganesh celebrations in the previous year, would continue to apply to the current year and throughout Telangana. Justice Shravan Kumar specifically took note of reports that loud sound systems were being used on roads during the night as Ganesh idols were transported for immersion.
The court observed that the noise was disturbing members of the public, particularly elderly people and those suffering from ailments. It prima facie found that noise pollution appeared to be continuing and that organisers were not complying with the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.
The Nirmal district police informed the court that 57 people associated with DJ sound systems had been bound over across various police stations in the district. Cases had also been registered against people found violating the court’s directions. The court took note of the preventive measures but sought a broader report on implementation during the current festival season.
With the Ganesh immersion scheduled for September 25, the authorities were directed to submit a report on compliance with the earlier directions. The report covering Hyderabad, Secunderabad and adjoining areas is to be submitted by Thursday. Nirmal district authorities were directed to file a counter-affidavit along with the instructions received by the Government Pleader.
The court posted the matter for September 24, when it will consider the preliminary and compliance reports.
