Identify vehicles with modified silencers: HC

Bengaluru: While hearing a PIL over noise emanating from some mosques in Bengaluru, the high court on Tuesday took suo motu cognisance of the noise pollution caused by modified/amplified silencers of two-wheelers and four-wheelers which aren’t as per the prescribed norms.
A division bench headed by chief justice Ritu Raj Awasthi noted that people living close to main roads are affected by the noise pollution, directing the authorities to inform the court about steps being taken to curb the menace.The bench also said that a drive should be launched to identify such vehicles and the authorities should submit a compliance report regarding action taken.
The authorities were told to take into consideration the operation of night clubs and organisations in violation of Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000.
Regarding the petitioner’s contention on allowing use of loudspeakers and public address systems at 15-odd religious places in Thanisandra and surrounding areas, the authorities were asked to state under what provisions of law permissions have been granted. They were also asked what action has been taken to restrict the use of this equipment in accordance with the rules. The religious institutions claimed they are permitted to use loudspeakers and public address systems by way of a circular issued by the Wakf board in 2017. tnn