Bhubaneswar, Sep 22 (UNI) The Orissa High Court has directed the state government to frame within six weeks guidelines regulating the use of DJs, sound systems and musical instruments, amid a challenge to restrictions imposed on DJ use in Jagatsinghpur district.
A bench headed by Justice R K Pattanaik issued the direction on Monday while hearing a petition filed by the Jagannath Tent Light and Sound Owners' Association challenging the September 15 order of the Jagatsinghpur administration restricting DJ use. Additional Government Advocate Sarbeswar Behera defended the restrictions, submitting that the loud and jarring sound generated by DJs causes inconvenience to elderly and sick persons.
The petitioners, however, contended that DJs and sound systems should be permitted subject to prescribed rules and permissible noise limits. They submitted that the High Court, while hearing a similar matter on October 3, 2024, had directed the authorities to frame guidelines for the use of sound systems and musical instruments, but no such guidelines had been issued so far. The petitioners further argued that the Odisha Fireworks and Loudspeakers (Regulation) Act, 1958 permits regulation of DJ use, but does not justify a blanket ban without appropriate guidelines.
The September 15 order was issued by the Jagatsinghpur authorities in connection with restrictions during the Ganesh Puja immersion procession.
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