CHENNAI: It appears that religious institutions have a wrong notion that the blessings of God cannot be obtained unless there is loud noise of religious songs or chantings through cone and other banned types of speakers, the Madras High Court has observed.
Prayers in all religions had been going on from ancient time even when electricity did not exist, the Bench of Chief Justice SK Kaul and Justice MM Sundresh pointed out.
Hence, there is no reason why in view of the categorical judgment of the Supreme Court (relating to noise pollution in 2005), which is now 11-years-old, there should be any violation whatsoever, the Bench said and directed the authorities concerned to immediately carry out inspections of all religious places and ensure that there is no noise pollution.
The Bench was passing orders on a PIL from one S Kumaravelu of Perambur, who prayed for a direction to the government and the police to strictly implement the order dated July 18, 2005 of the Supreme Court, which placed restrictions on the usage of cone speakers.
The Government Pleader submitted that there were some proceedings pending before the Southern Regional Bench of the National Green Tribunal relating to the issue. If any complaint is preferred against noise pollution, action will be initiated against the organisers of the events, as communicated by the DGP. While permitting any programme or function, police officials are ensuring that cone-type speakers are not used and the sound is kept below the prescribed decibel level and any deviation in this regard will lead to registration of cases and seizure of the speakers, the GP added.
Stating that more than enough time has elapsed since the pronouncement and the implementation of the apex court order, the Bench directed the authorities concerned to immediately carry out inspection of all these places and ensure compliance with the SC order and file a report before this court on April 28.