The Bombay High Court took strong exception to the delay in procurement of decibel meters in Maharashtra saying the state government was “deliberately and intentionally” delaying the process so that noise levels are not checked during Navratri and Diwali festivals.
It also said it would initiate criminal action against Additional Chief Secretary (Home) K P Bakshi for violating court orders and directed him to appear before it on October 17 when it would hear the matter further.
The high court had in January directed the states home department to procure 1843 decibel meters and provide the same to all police stations in compliance with the provisions of the Noise Pollution Rules.
In May, the court was informed that the government has not taken any steps to comply with the order. The court then issued contempt notice to Bakshi.
Following this, the government assured the court that the decibel meters would be procured within two months.
However, a division bench of justices A S Oka and A A Sayed was informed by the government that the decibel meters would be procured by November 10.
Irked over this, Justice Oka said, “This is a gross breach of our orders. This seems to be a deliberate and intentional attempt by the state government so that noise levels are not checked during the ongoing Navratri and upcoming Diwali festivals.”
The court was hearing a bunch of PILs seeking implementation of noise pollution rules and regulations.
