Vagator club fined Rs 10k for music beyond 10pm

Panaji: A Mapusa court on Tuesday fined Pankaj Gandhi, the manager of Raeeth Club, Vagator, Rs 10,000 for playing music beyond the permissible limit after he pleaded guilty. The reading of 76.9 dB was recorded on Real Time Sound Level Meter.

He was convicted under Section 15 of the Environment Protection Act 1986. Gandhi filed an application pleading guilty and submitting that he is ready to abide by terms and conditions as per direction of the court. The court explained to him the consequences of pleading guilty and gave him time for reflection. He appeared with his advocate and submitted that he has fully understood the consequences of pleading guilty and said his plea is clear, voluntary, unequivocal, well informed and under legal advice. He denied time for reflection and said he still wants to plead guilty. He stated that he is ready to pay the entire fine amount.

The court accepted his plea of guilty and directed the fine amount to be forfeited to the state.