Karnataka High Court Upholds Police Circular Barring DJ, Sound Systems In Processions And Public Pandals During Gauri Ganesh & Eid-Milad

The Karnataka High Court on Saturday dismissed the petition filed by an officer bearer of Karnataka Light Music and Cultural Artists Association, challenging the decision of Police to prohibit DJ's and use of sound systems, in processions and public pandals, during Gauri Ganesh and Eid-Milad festivals.

A division bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C M Joshi dismissed the petition filed by the petitioner Shankar. 

It said “The decibel levels in residential areas in daytime are required to be restricted to 55 decibel and 45 decibel at night time. It is difficult for this court to accept that use of sound systems and DJ in public places would be in compliance with the said decibel levels. We find no infirmity in issuance of circular restraining the use of sound system and DJ in public gatherings.”

The petitioner questioned the circular dated 14-08-2025 issued by the Joint Commissioner of Police (West). It was submitted that such a blanket ban violates their fundamental right to do business under Article 19 (1)(g), of the Constitution of India. There is an inconsistency as manufacturing and sale of sound systems are allowed on one hand and prohibiting use on the other, the petitioner said. 

The bench on going through the records noted the subject of the circular said, “The circular sets out procedures for taking protective measures during festivals noted above.”

It further said, “It is apparent in law there is no blanket ban against DJ or use of sound systems. The police authorities have prohibited use of DJ in processions and public gatherings during the festivals mentioned above.”

It also said, “Plain reading of the circular indicates that it set out the procedure for permission for Voluters and organisers for installation of Ganesh idols in public places and setting up of pandals, where large gathering is expected. Circular mandates that the volunteers shall make strategies for crowd control management.”

 “We find no infirmity in issuance of circular restraining the use of sound system and DJ in public gatherings,” the court added.

The petitioner in his plea had sought for a direction to the respondents to formulate guidelines in consonance with the Noise Pollution Rules 2000, instead of imposing blanket ban over the permitting the use DJ/sound systems, without there being any specifications before the authorities

To which the court said “The relevant regulation and guidelines are conforming with the noise pollution rules and guidelines. No further guidelines are necessary. Accordingly the petition is dismissed.”

Case Title: Shankar AND Secretary & Others

Case No: WP 23349/2025

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 285

Appearance: Advocate Vinayak Vamanrao Kulkarni for Petitioner.

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