Loudspeakers "Blasting Away All Limits": MP High Court Directs Strict Enforcement Of Noise Pollution Laws

The Madhya Pradesh High Court at Indore has once again directed the State and police authorities to strictly enforce noise pollution laws, after the judges themselves encountered blaring loudspeakers on their way home from court and read a newspaper report about the death of a seven-year-old child during a procession.

A Division Bench of Justice Subodh Abhyankar and Justice Jai Kumar Pillai passed the order on September 24 in a petition titled Amitabh Upadhyay and Others v. The State of Madhya Pradesh and Others. The matter had been reserved on September 22.

The bench noted that it had heard counsel for the rival parties at length and was inclined to dispose of the petition. However, the court said, events outside the courtroom changed its course. It observed that "so many loud noises were coming from almost all the directions" at night, and that during the commute from court to their homes, the judges saw that "in many places the loudspeakers were blasting away all the limits of sound barriers."

The judges also referred to a news report from the previous morning. According to the order, "a child aged 7 years has died in the school on account of high pitch volume coming from the speakers of a procession which was passing by." The court did not record any finding on the incident itself, but treated it as a grim reminder of what unchecked noise can do.

The bench was unimpressed by the assurances given by the administration. It observed that the noises polluting the atmosphere "could not be heard by the concerned officers of the administration, who are responsible for curbing the same." Although the respondents had filed a detailed reply claiming that all measures were being taken to curb noise pollution, the court remarked that "the ground reality appears rather grim."

The bench reiterated its earlier stand. It said it was "again" giving strict directions to the officers of the State and police officials, and directed the respondents to ensure compliance with the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) (Amendment) Rules, 2000 and the M.P. Kolahal Niyantran Adhiniyam, 1985. The court also asked that "appropriate strict measures be also taken in accordance with law against the persons responsible for blatant violation of the law."

Going beyond a general reminder, the court issued specific directions aimed at involving the public. The respondents have been told to publish, in daily newspapers of wide circulation, the list of silence zones that was filed along with their reply. They must also invite requests to declare other places of prominence as silence zones, which could not be included in that specific list.

The authorities have also been directed to inform the public at large about the complaint and phone numbers on which citizens can report noise pollution. The direction is significant because it places a simple tool in the hands of residents who often have little idea where to turn when loudspeakers disturb their homes, schools and hospitals.

The court has asked for accountability as well. It directed that a fresh report be submitted within a further period of one week, signalling that it intends to monitor the progress closely rather than accept general claims of compliance.

Advocate Abhinav Dhanodkar appeared for the petitioners. Government Advocate Pradhymna Kibe represented the State, along with Ashish Patel, the Assistant Commissioner of Police concerned. Advocate Rishabh Singh Chouhan appeared for respondent No. 4 MP Pollution Control Board.

The matter has now been listed for further hearing on October 5, 2026.

Case Title: Amitabh Upadhyay and Others vs. The State of Madhya Pradesh and Others

Date of Order: September 24, 2026

Bench: Justice Subodh Abhyankar and Justice Jai Kumar Pillai