Cuttack: Declining to interfere with the Jagatsinghpur district administration’s recent ban on use of DJ and other music systems during Ganesh Puja and immersion, the Orissa High Court has directed the collector to formulate guidelines regulating their use during public events.
Justice RK Pattanaik issued the direction while disposing of a petition challenging the restrictions. The petition was filed by Jagannath Tent Light & Sound Owner Association.
Appearing for the association, advocate G Mohanty referred to the High Court order earlier on October 3, 2024 concerning a similar restriction on DJ use during marriage processions. The court had then remitted the matter to the collector with a direction to frame appropriate guidelines for use of sound systems and other instruments.
Mohanty submitted that no such guidelines had been framed despite the earlier direction and that the collector had again imposed a similar restriction through an office order dated 15 September in connection with Ganesh Puja and immersion.
He argued that there could not be an absolute prohibition on the use of DJ systems during such events and sought judicial intervention against the latest restriction.
Opposing the plea, additional government advocate Sarbeswar Behera submitted that the restriction was intended to prevent public nuisance and health hazards and was within the collector’s jurisdiction.
The HC also directed the collector to provide the petitioner association with an opportunity of being heard and ensure issuance of the guidelines within a period of six weeks from receipt of the court order.
