What happened: Patna High Court directions on high-decibel noise in Bihar
The Patna High Court issued statewide directions to control high-decibel noise in Bihar, focusing on noise sources such as DJ equipment and loudspeakers used during public events. The Court linked its enforcement directions to concerns about weak follow-through on earlier actions and gaps in enforcement records.
Earlier accountability anchor: Surendra Prasad vs State of Bihar
In Surendra Prasad vs State of Bihar, the Patna High Court recognised DJ equipment and loudspeakers as major noise sources. The Court criticised the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) for not addressing the noise problem effectively. The Court directed BSPCB to collect police reports on permissions granted to noise operators and on police enforcement actions.
Court scrutiny of police reporting and enforcement gaps
Police reporting during the relevant period showed seizures and fines in some locations over a three-month period. Police reporting indicated no enforcement action in Masaurhi. The Patna High Court treated the “no action” outcome as implausible and questioned consistency between claims of enforcement and ground action.