Diljit Dosanjh Chandigarh concert: Punjab and Haryana High Court allows event with strict noise, traffic guidelines
Diljit Dosanjh Chandigarh concert: The Punjab and Haryana High Court Friday heard a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning traffic management, crowd control, and noise pollution for Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh’s concert scheduled for December 14 in Chandigarh. The petition raised concerns about potential disruptions to the lives of residents, particularly senior citizens, and sought to ensure compliance with noise pollution and traffic regulations.
During the hearing, senior counsel Amit Jhanji, representing the Chandigarh Administration, informed the court that 2,400 police personnel would be deployed for the event, supported by private security arrangements. "We are taking care of traffic management," Jhanji assured, while highlighting that necessary precautions are in place.
Chief Justice Sheel Nagu highlighted the importance of controlling noise levels, expressing concerns about the impact on senior citizens living near the venue. “Please maintain the decibel level. There are senior citizens around the area. How will they sleep?” remarked the Chief Justice.
The court inquired about alcohol service at the event, to which Senior Advocate Akshay Bhan, representing the organisers, stated that it could only occur with proper permissions. On the issue of sound monitoring, Bhan assured the court that equipment to measure noise levels would be installed, and the sound system's speaker volume had already been calibrated to comply with permissible limits.
Senior Advocate Aashish Chopra, representing another party, highlighted the need to ensure hospital access was not obstructed. However, the Chief Justice noted, after reviewing a city map, that hospitals near the venue were at a safe distance.
The court deliberated on the permissible noise levels, noting that the limit for commercial areas is 65 decibels, which can be extended up to 75 decibels at the venue's boundary. Organisers were instructed to ensure noise levels do not exceed 110 decibels during the concert.
Following submissions from both parties, the Punjab and Haryana High Court granted permission for the event to proceed, subject to adherence to noise pollution rules and ambient air quality standards. The court also directed authorities to take action if noise levels exceeded permissible limits.
“This court has no hesitation in allowing the event from taking place, subject to ambient air quality standards in respect of noise being maintained at the boundary of the place to a maximum of 75 decibels,” stated the High Court.
The court recorded that permissions from the Municipal Corporation had been obtained, with NOCs from the Fire Department and Police still awaited.
The hearing concluded with the court suggesting that large-scale events in the future should be held outside Chandigarh to minimise disruption to residents.
- PTC NEWS
