The Bombay High Court on Tuesday noted that Maharashtra police authorities have made earnest efforts to comply with HC directives in 2016 against “illegal” installation of loudspeakers at religious places (File photo)The Bombay High Court on Tuesday noted that Maharashtra police authorities have made earnest efforts to comply with HC directives in 2016 against “illegal” installation of loudspeakers at religious places and there was no need to initiate contempt action.A bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep V Marne was hearing a contempt plea by one Santosh Pachlag alleging non-compliance of 2016 directives to enforce the Noise Pollution Rules, 2000. The HC disposed of contempt plea after perusing that there was no wilful disobedience of the same as the police authorities had initiated action against errants.The HC perused the March 2025 affidavit filed by Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla, which stated that of the 2,940 illegal loudspeakers mentioned by the petitioner, the authorities have removed 343 loudspeakers, 831 were granted permission after due examination while notices under Section 149 of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) were issued to 767 institutions using speakers.Further, five cases were referred to Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) for taking action against such loudspeakers and FIRs were registered with respect to 19 loudspeakers.Moreover, an Inspector General of Police has been appointed to monitor 49 units across state to ensure compliance of noise pollution norms.“Thus from the stand taken by the respondents, it is evident that the respondent authorities have substantially complied with the directions contained in the order. In any case, no case for willful disobedience of the orders passed by this court is made out as they have made an earnest effort to comply with the directions,” the bench noted in the order.“In the facts and circumstances of the case, we are not inclined to push it further with the contempt petition. However, in case the grievance of the petitioner still survives, he is granted the liberty to approach the nodal officer appointed by the state government. With this, contempt petition is disposed of,” the HC held.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Bombay High Court