Allahabad HC to hear suo motu PIL on noise pollution after student’s death

The Allahabad High Court has initiated suo motu proceedings on noise pollution following reports of the death of a 7-year-old Class 2 student at a school in Balrampur while a procession carrying loudspeakers and a music system was passing nearby.

The incident occurred on September 22 at Divine Public School on City Palace Road in Bhagautiganj, Balrampur. The deceased was identified as Vaishnavi Tiwari. According to reports, the procession was part of the 10-day Ganpati Utsav, which started on September 14.

Observing that the incident raises larger questions over the unchecked menace of noise pollution, a Division Bench of Justice Rajan Roy and Justice Manjive Shukla on Wednesday (September 28) ordered the registration of a separate suo motu PIL while hearing an existing case concerning the use of pressure horns, modified silencers and hooters.

The court, however, clarified that it had not established any connection between the alleged loud noise and the child’s death.

The Bench maintained that the broader problem of noise pollution and the enforcement of statutory safeguards required separate consideration. It observed that violations of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, were frequently witnessed in public spaces despite the existing legal framework.

The PIL will examine the authorities responsible for controlling noise pollution, the enforcement measures currently in place, and whether regular monitoring is required, The Bench said.

The court also stressed the need for greater public awareness, observing that a lack of awareness may contribute to violations. At the same time, the Bench said continued violations despite enforcement measures should attract accountability under the applicable law.

The court made the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police, the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Lucknow civic authorities and officials from key government departments parties in the matter. The Balrampur District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police and Chief Medical Officer were also directed to be impleaded. The State was asked to obtain reports on the incident and submit details of measures taken or proposed to enforce noise-control laws.

The court also expressed hope that the child’s parents and school authorities would not face unnecessary pressure or interference. The matter will now be heard on October 12.