Punjab & Haryana HC Allows Diljit's Concert In Chandigarh Tomorrow But Warns Of Penal Action If 75-Decibel Noise Limit Breached

The Punjab & Haryana High Court today permitted Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh to hold a concert in Chandigarh tomorrow (December 14). However, the court directed that the event must adhere to noise limits, maintaining ambient air quality standards with a maximum noise level of 75 decibels otherwise penal action can be taken against the organizers

"No hesitation in allowing the event to take place subject to the ambient air quality standard in respect of noise to be maintained at the boundary of the public place where the event is held to the maximum of 75 decibels. In case the noise levels increase beyond 75 decibels, then the official respondent are directed to take penal action against the organizers as prescribed by the Noise Pollution Rules.", the Court said.

The bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Anil Kshetarpal heard the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by a Chandigarh resident Ranjeet Singh seeking directions to the Union Territory Administration of Chandigarh to submit a detailed report on traffic management, crowd control, noise pollution, etc. for upcoming Diljit Dosanjh concert at Chandigarh.

Giving reference to another event held earlier in the same place, the petitioner claimed that the organizers and authorities have neglected issues like traffic management, noise pollution, and public safety, thereby violating citizens' fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution. Allegations were also made regarding breaches of environmental regulations, including the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, of 2000.

The Court took note of the Union Territory of Chandigarh's proposed decongestion plan such as providing parking spaces for the vehicle, and has credence to the public advisory released by the UT.

Since the event will take place in a public area from 7 PM to 10 PM near residential zones, the court took into account the concerns of children and senior citizens. It allowed the concert to proceed but strictly within the permissible ambient noise level of 75 decibels.

The matter is next listed on Dec. 18, for reporting compliance.

Case Title: RANJEET SINGH Vs. UNION TERRITORY OF CHANDIGARH AND OTHERS