The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a petition that sought directions to regulate the use of light laser beams and loudspeakers in public spaces, gatherings and events during festivals.
The petition challenged the Bombay High Court order of April 20, which disposed of the PIL against the usage of laser beams and loud sound systems during religious processions and other ceremonies.
The High Court refused to pass substantive directions, saying that the aggrieved persons can file complaints before the authorities.
The petitioner submitted before the Apex Court that there has been no statute regulating the use of laser beam lights.
The Bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra directed the petitioner to make a representation before the concerned authorities, as directed by the High Court.
On April 20, the High Court had granted liberty to the petitioner to submit a representation before the appropriate authority/State government to take measures for regulating the use of light laser beams.
It also noted that the petitioner could inform the police about any relevant provisions in the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and file a complaint.
It ruled that the petitioner could bring to the notice of the Police Authorities the applicability of Section 125 or any other relevant provision of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, if the facts justified filing of such a complaint.
Regarding noise pollution, the High Court observed that the petitioner sought relief for a report and data on noise pollution complaints from the past two years and actions taken on such complaints. It stated that prayers appeared to be in nature of ‘roving enquiry’.
It directed the petitioner to independently establish a prima facie case, instead of seeking an order from this Court to summon records.