Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court has directed police authorities to submit detailed reports on the implementation of its earlier guidelines governing Ganesh idol installations and celebrations in public places across the State.
Justice N V Shravan Kumar issued the direction while hearing a contempt petition filed by residents of Nirmal district, who alleged that the court's earlier directions were not being properly implemented by authorities.
The Government Pleader for Home informed the court that police had conducted peace meetings with Ganesh Mandal organisers, Ganesh Utsava Committee members and Majeed Committee members on September 13 and 16. Organisers were instructed to strictly follow the court's directions.
The government also informed the court that preventive measures had been taken against owners and operators of DJ sound systems and that criminal cases had been registered in instances where the court's directions were allegedly violated.
Police told the court that they were maintaining vigilance during the festivities to safeguard public order, communal harmony, traffic movement and public passage.
The court observed that its earlier directions, although issued in connection with the previous year's Ganesh celebrations, would also apply to the current year and throughout Telangana.
Justice Shravan Kumar particularly took note of reports regarding loud sound systems being used on roads during night hours while Ganesh idols were being transported for immersion. The court observed that excessive noise could disturb members of the public, particularly elderly people and those suffering from health conditions.
The court prima facie observed that noise pollution appeared to be continuing and noted concerns over compliance with the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.
The court was also informed about preventive action taken by Nirmal district police. According to the authorities, 57 people associated with DJ sound systems had been bound over across various police stations in the district, while cases had also been registered against alleged violations.
With Ganesh immersion scheduled for September 25, the court directed authorities to submit reports detailing implementation of its earlier directions during the current festival.
Police authorities were directed to submit a report concerning Hyderabad, Secunderabad and adjoining areas by Thursday. Nirmal district authorities were directed to file a counter-affidavit along with the instructions received by the Government Pleader.
The matter was posted for September 24 for consideration of the preliminary and compliance reports.
