Orissa High Court Imposes Restrictions On Installation Of Huge Puja Pandals, Orders Regulation Of Noise Pollution

The Orissa High Court on Thursday imposed restrictions on erection of huge bamboo structures/pandals on public road, footpath, and installation of electric gates during the festive season starting from Lord Ganesh Puja next week. It has also asked the administration to ensure checks on noise pollution during the festivities.

A Division Bench of Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo and Justice V. Narasingh was hearing a suo moto PIL concerning the civic issues of the city of Cuttack. Among other civic problems, the issues connected to the festive season were raised before the Bench.

Hearing the counsel for the parties, the Court reminded the district administration about a similar order passed last year whereby it had ordered to put curbs on installing pandals on public roads which have potential to obstruct free flow of traffic. The Bench also took note of an unfortunate incident of the last year where a welcome gate made of bamboo collapsed due to rain and gusty wind.

“Increased height in Puja gates is also an issue which causes many concerns, inter alia, regarding the structural stability and safety, since these are temporary structures built for festivals. It has inherent vulnerability to wind, resulting in enhanced risk or injury if there is collapse and also presenting challenges for crowd control and emergency egress,” it observed.

The organizers were asked to prioritize safety and stability of pandals by carefully considering the potential risks associated with increased height, adhering to safety regulations and practices.

Accordingly, the concerned authorities were asked to file an affidavit stating whether the Puja Committees are taking prior permission relating to the nature of pandals (both bamboo and electrical) while applying for licenses. They were ordered to specify the safety measures taken by the Puja Committees for maintenance of such pandals.

Apart from the above, the Court also took serious cognizance of noise pollution, which are routinely caused during festival celebrations. It emphasized the potential health risks, besides problems faced by students. Last year, it had ordered the authorities to ensure limiting noise pollution to 65 decibels. Accordingly, it asked authorities to file affidavit elaborating the measures taken for addressing the issue this year as well.

“It is imperative to address the issue of sound pollution during festivals by advocating for responsible celebration, using protective measures and spreading awareness about the consequences of excessive noise so as to strike a balance between celebrations and health of citizens and environmental concerns. The spirit of festival ought not be drowned in the cacophony of sound,” it added.

The Bench led by Justice Sahoo also passed ancillary directions for efficient traffic management, crowd control, illuminating roads, fire safety measures in Puja pandals, providing safe drinking water, check on sale of adulterated food items, regulations of timing of cultural programs, waste management, disciplined immersion processions and most importantly, prevention of criminal activities and forced donations/extortions during the whole festival season.

Case Title: Registrar (Judicial), Orissa High Court, Cuttack v. State of Odisha & Ors.

Case No: W.P.(C) No. 2140 of 2025

Date of Order: August 21, 2025

Counsel for the Petitioner: Er. N.K. Mohanty & Mr. Bijay Kumar Dash, Amicus Curiae

Counsel for the Respondents: Mr. Manoj Kumar Mishra, Senior Advocate President, OHCBA, Mr. Avijit Pattnaik, Advocate, Secretary, OHCBA, Mr. Debasis Nayak-A, Addl. Govt. Advocate & Advocate for CMC & Mr. Partha Sarathi Nayak, Addl. Govt. Advocate

Click Here To Read/Download Order