Telangana HC seeks report on implementation of Ganesh festival guidelines

The Telangana High Court directed police authorities to submit reports on implementation of its Ganesh festival guidelines. Justice Shravan Kumar took note of loud DJ systems during night hours and sought compliance reports ahead of the September 25 immersion

Hyderabad: Justice N V Shravan Kumar of the Telangana High Court on Tuesday directed the police authorities to submit a detailed report on the implementation of the High Court’s earlier directions regarding the installation of Ganesh idols and conduct of Ganesh festivities in public places across the State.

The direction came while hearing a contempt case filed by residents of Nirmal district, alleging that the earlier directions of the High Court were not being implemented by the authorities.

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The Court was informed by the Government Pleader for Home that the police had conducted peace meetings with Ganesh Mandal organisers, Ganesh Utsava Committee members and Majeed Committee members on September 13 and 16 and instructed them to strictly follow the High Court’s directions.

The Government Pleader further informed the Court that preventive measures had been taken against owners and operators of DJ sound systems and that several criminal cases had been registered for violations of the directions issued by the High Court.

The police also submitted that they were maintaining vigilance during the festivities to ensure public order, communal harmony, free movement of traffic and public passage.

The Court noted that its earlier directions, though issued in connection with Ganesh celebrations in the previous year, would also apply to the present year and throughout Telangana.

Justice Shravan Kumar particularly took note of reports regarding the use of loud sound systems on roads during night hours while Ganesh idols were being transported for immersion.

The Court observed that such noise was causing disturbance to members of the public, particularly elderly persons and those suffering from ailments.

The Court prima facie observed that noise pollution appeared to be continuing and that organisers were not complying with the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.

The Court also took note of the preventive action taken by the Nirmal district police. The authorities informed the Court that 57 persons associated with DJ sound systems had been bound over across various police stations in the district and that cases had also been registered against persons found violating the directions.

As the Ganesh immersion is scheduled for September 25, the Court directed the authorities to submit a report on the implementation of its earlier directions during the present year.

The authorities were directed to submit the report concerning Hyderabad, Secunderabad and adjoining areas by Thursday. The Nirmal district authorities were directed to file a counter-affidavit along with the instructions received by the Government Pleader.

The Court posted the matter to September 24 for consideration of the preliminary and compliance reports.