With Ganeshotsav drawing near, Mumbai police have issued a strict warning to the local crowd against violation of the Bombay High Court-imposed ban on high-decibel DJ music during the festivities.
The order restricts noise levels to 50 decibels between 10 pm and 6 am. Police have further warned that violators will risk seizure of equipment, including speakers, mixers, and DJ systems. The court had earlier urged people to use traditional instruments instead of amplified music.
The arrival of Ganpatis from major mandals such as Lalbaug, Parel and Dadar drew large crowds, accompanied by the traditional beat of drums. However, amid the festivities, Mumbai Police issued a stern reminder, DJs are banned during the festival and violators will face strict legal action.
Why did the court issue a ban on DJs in Ganeshotsav?
The Bombay High Court prohibited the use of DJs in Mumbai during Ganeshotsav in 2018 to curb noise pollution. The court’s decision was based on previous High Court and Supreme Court orders and observations about noise levels exceeding permissible limits in India during such festivities.
Authorities stress that loud DJ music has led to serious health issues in the past, with some cases reportedly resulting in fatalities. Despite repeated warnings from senior leaders and community elders, some mandals have continued to play excessively loud music during processions.
Organisers protest against the court-issued ban
Multiple organisers from different mandalas and self-proclaimed activists have registered their protest against the ban, stating that these curbs unfairly target Hindu festivals. Gajendra Bane, Secretary of the Chinchpokli Chintamani Sarvajanik Mandal, told Jai Maharashtra news channel that DJs are present at many other events throughout the year, but restrictions seem to be enforced most strictly during Ganeshotsav.
Authorities have further issued a warning for the mandalas stating that if the ban is breached, not only can organisers face fines and equipment seizure, but the mandala’s licence may be revoked and additional restrictions could be imposed on their pandals. Local Police are expected to monitor processions closely to ensure compliance.
