Maharashtra: SPCA Orders Action Against Pune Police Officers Over Noise Pollution Case
Maharashtra: SPCA Orders Action Against Pune Police Officers Over Noise Pollution Case
Mumbai’s State Police Complaint Authority (SPCA) has ordered the home department to take departmental action against four police officers, including a retired official, for mishandling a 2019 noise pollution case at a marriage hall in Bibvewadi.
The officers facing action include a former deputy commissioner of police, a retired assistant commissioner of police (ACP), a senior inspector, and a sub-inspector, all from Pune police. The directive follows a complaint by retired ACP Arvind Patil, who had reported noise pollution due to firecrackers at a wedding hall to Bibvewadi police in December 2019. When no action was taken, he escalated the matter to the SPCA.
The SPCA bench, led by Justice (Retd) Shrihari Davare, along with members Umakant Mitkar and Dr. Vijay Satbir Singh, issued the order on January 24. It instructed the state to ensure police officers are trained in handling noise pollution cases. The SPCA pointed out that during festivals, weddings, and processions, laws are often ignored, leading to loud music, fireworks, and bursting of crackers at night. This causes disturbances, especially for the elderly, the sick, and students preparing for exams. The authority criticized law enforcement for failing to take action against such violations.
Supporting the complainant’s argument, SPCA reaffirmed that the right to sleep is a fundamental right. It emphasized that law enforcement must implement noise pollution laws effectively, register offences promptly, and conduct investigations without unnecessary delays.
In response to the order, police officials stated, “We will soon file an appeal in the Bombay High Court to challenge the SPCA directive.”
The 19-page order also recommended sensitizing police officers on environmental laws, equipping them with tools to measure noise levels, and ensuring their performance in enforcing these laws is reflected in their appraisals.
