HC Questions Loud Celebrations On Apr 14, Seeks Accountability From Organisers

Nagpur: The Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court on Tuesday raised serious concerns over loud celebrations at Samvidhan Square on April 14. HC questioned whether such events align with the constitutional values Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar espoused and issued notices to organisers and the city police. The celebrations were held to mark Dr Ambedkar's birth anniversary.A division bench of Justices Urmila Joshi-Phalke and Nivedita Mehta, hearing a batch of PILs, was informed by amicus curiae Abdul Subhan that loud slogans, high-decibel sound systems, and firecrackers during the event violated Noise Pollution Rules and affected citizens' rights under Article 21.The bench directed the Commissioner of Police, Nagpur, to serve notices on the organisers and submit details of measures taken to safeguard public rights. The matter has been posted for further hearing on June 9. The court framed the issue in constitutional terms, observing that the right to live with dignity is a fundamental guarantee. It drew extensively from the philosophy of Dr Ambedkar, noting that social democracy implies "a way of life where one's own progress does not come at the cost of another's dignity."Quoting Ambedkar's views, the bench observed that "freedom must not be converted into licence" and stressed that rights are sustained not only by law but also by "social and moral conscience." It added that while celebrating national figures is important, such events must reflect their ideals of equality, justice and civic responsibility.Highlighting the impact of noise pollution, the bench noted that late-night disturbances between 10 pm and 6 am violate statutory norms and affect "sleep and health of individuals," particularly the elderly, children and those with illnesses. It also pointed to ecological concerns, stating that birds "often abandon their nests and become disoriented due to untimely slogans" and firecrackers.Balancing competing rights, the court said while cultural expression is protected, the "Right to Life has a priority," and celebrations "should not infringe public health or safety or ambient environmental standards."#Key Takeaways from HC order:Notices issued to organisers; police asked to explain safeguards for public rightsCourt cites Article 21, stresses right to life, dignity and peaceful livingObserves celebrations should reflect ideals of equality, reform and empowermentFlags violations of Noise Pollution Rules due to slogans and firecrackersNotes impact on health of citizens, especially elderly and childrenHighlights ecological concerns, including disturbance to birdsStates cultural rights cannot override public health and safetyNext hearing scheduled for June 9