Jorhat District Magistrate Jay Shivani has imposed sweeping noise pollution restrictions across Jorhat district, citing repeated violations of Supreme Court guidelines and their adverse impact on students preparing for examinations.
The prohibitory order, issued on November 27, under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), takes immediate effect and remains in force until further notice.
“It has come to the notice of the undersigned that some organisations/individuals have deliberately violated the Rules/Guidelines/Directives subsequently issued by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India/Government/District Administration related to Noise Pollution,” the official order stated.
The directive specifically targets three categories of noise violations: the playing of high-volume loudspeakers, amplified music, and bursting of firecrackers beyond 10 pm, cumulative noise exceeding 55 decibels during daytime and 45 decibels at night in residential areas, and the use of loud speakers near hospitals, courts in session, and educational institutions.
According to the order, the administration had previously issued strict directions to event organisers and individuals to restrict sound levels after 10 pm, yet violations persisted. “Such use of high intensity sound has negative impact on the students preparing for various examinations,” the order noted.
The District Magistrate invoked constitutional provisions to justify the action, stating, “Right to healthy environment under Article 21 enshrined in the Constitution of India is a Fundamental Right of all living being.”
The order emphasises that noise pollution violations “amount to hamper/disrupt of the environment as well as human well-being,” warranting immediate intervention. While the order has been passed ex-parte due to situational necessity, the administration has provided recourse for affected parties. “Anyone aggrieved by the order may approach the competent authority for modification/waiver of the order,” according to the official notification. Violations will attract penalties under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
