Latur, Jul 29 (PTI) Police have registered cases against four persons for allegedly violating noise pollution norms during processions held in Maharashtra’s Latur city to mark Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s birth anniversary on April 14 this year, officials said on Wednesday.
The action follows an inquiry into the use of high-decibel sound systems in the processions despite prior restrictions imposed by the police.
Police said organisers of the processions had specifically been directed against using the high-capacity sound systems.
Ahead of the celebrations, police had conducted meetings with organisers and issued repeated public appeals through newspapers, urging them to comply with the prescribed norms. While several committees adhered to the guidelines, 14 committees were found violating the rules that resulted in excessive noise pollution, officials said.
Subsequently, notices were issued to the presidents of the 14 committees and owners of the sound systems, giving them 60 days to submit their explanations, the officials said.
Following the completion of the statutory process, cases were filed on July 29 before a Latur court against Sopan Dinesh Tate, president of the Ramabai Nagar, Bhoi Galli committee, and Balwant Pandurang Bansode, the owner of a sound system used by the committee.
In a separate case, proceedings were initiated against Dushyant Balaji Kamble, president of the Veer Hanmantwadi, Moti Nagar committee, and Abhijit Bharat Salunke, owner of a sound system.
The accused have been prosecuted under sections 15 and 19 of the Environment (Protection) Act and the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.
The officials said the offences carry a maximum punishment of five years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh, or both, upon conviction.
Police said legal proceedings against the remaining 24 accused, comprising presidents of 12 other committees and owners of 12 sound systems, will be initiated after completion of the statutory notice period. PTI COR NP
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